NOVEMBER 2024
A PROJECT BUILT ON PRAYER
A new church build for Maynooth
BEHIND THE WIRE
The life of C.E.B. Cranfield
STIRRING SPIRITUAL CURIOSITY Having better conversations about Christian faith
COMING 21 NOVEMBER the latest book from international best-selling author
ROB PARSONS
A Knock at the Door A homeless man, a lawyer ... and a family changed forever
‘An extraordinary story of love and kindness and what it means to belong to a family. Truly inspirational.’ Tim Vine
Pre-order now
bit.ly/knockatdoorpreorder A Knock at the Door by Rob Parsons is published by William Collins and is out on 21 November
CONTENTS | NOVEMBER 2024
FEATURES 12 A project built on prayer A new church build for Maynooth
17 Behind the wire
The life of C.E.B. Cranfield
20 Stirring spiritual curiosity Having better conversations about Christian faith
31 Retrieving beauty A theology of beauty
34 Worship: so much more than just going to church Being present to God
36 Anniversary memories
60 years of journalism for Alf McCreary
38 A knock at the door
A life-changing moment for Rob Parsons
A project built on prayer p12
REGULARS 4 5 6 7 8 9 22 23 40 42 45 47
Editorial Culture Watch News Life lessons In this month My story Norman Hamilton Mission Connect Reviews Life in PCI Niall Lockhart Ruth Sanderson
Behind the wire p17
Retrieving beauty p31
CONTRIBUTORS Jonny McClune is PCI’s Congregational Witness development officer. He is married to Bethany, dad to Jack and a member of Saintfield Road Presbyterian.
Dr Ian McNie is a former PCI Moderator and minister emeritus of Trinity, Ballymoney.
Rev Nigel Craig is PCI’s chaplain at Queen’s University, Stranmillis and Union Theological College, Belfast.
Rev David Thompson is Secretary of the Council of Congregational Life and Witness and chaplain to Glentoran Football Club.
Cover photo: Jamie Trimble November 2024 No. 863 £2.20/€2.60 Published by: The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Assembly Buildings, Belfast BT1 6DW. T: +44 (0)28 9032 2284 E: herald@presbyterianireland.org W: www.presbyterianireland.org
Editor: Sarah Harding
The views expressed in the features, news reports, letters and book reviews of this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Editorial comment and signed Subscriptions and Advertising: articles do not necessarily contain the official views of the Church, which can only be laid down only by the General Assembly. Acceptance of advertisements Edward Connolly; Hazel Gilliland does not imply endorsement of the goods or services. Advertising will not be Design and Layout: included if the product or service is deemed to be in conflict with the Church’s Edward Connolly official views, or if it is inappropriate for a church magazine. It is not Herald policy Printing: to include any editorial content along with adverts. The editor reserves the right W & G Baird Ltd to decline any advertisement or letter without assigning any reason. Letters may be edited for publication. No correspondence can be entered into regarding nonpublication of advertisements or letters.
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Herald November 2024
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EDITORIAL Topical Tweets
The power of prayer
Remembrance is a time for us all to reflect on the past and present sacrifices of many men and women. This month, Dr Isaac Thompson, who has recently been appointed as chaplain to the Royal British Legion, shares a little about his role, as well as his experiences as an army reserve chaplain over the years. Dr Ian McNie also writes about the life of C.E.B. Cranfield, a pastor who spent time in a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War and was influential in helping to support German pastors who would go on to re-build the German Church. Cranfield became an instrumental theologian for many of our Presbyterian ministers, as one of his books was later a key text at Union Theological College. In our reviews section, Andrew Hamilton highlights a podcast that looks at the miracles that happened during the Second World War. Significantly, the title of it is: ‘When we prayed’. We know that the power of prayer is mighty, but it is good to be constantly reminded of this, and to remember that prayer can change big world events, as well as smaller, more personal ones. The story of Maynooth Community Church (MCC), PCI’s newest church build, is one filled with modern miracles that serves as a wonderful encouragement to the wider PCI family. The road to completion was fraught with delays and financial difficulties, but it also drew the congregation together through prayer. Minister, Rev Keith McCrory says, “Without question, our primary act of fundraising throughout this journey has been to pray.” PCI’s ‘Present’ initiative is a good way for us all to take a step back and consider how we are present to God and to others. This month Rev David Thompson interviews Rev Karen Campbell about her thoughts on being present to God in worship. Their conversation highlights the importance of “giving attention to God” and one way we can effectively do this is through prayer. Making it a priority encourages us to lean fully on God rather than ourselves and strengthens our faith that he is listening and will answer. Remembering how God has acted in the past helps us to have faith that he can and will act in the future. By the world’s standards we may feel that the church is becoming ever weaker and its voice is being drowned out. Addressing this, Rev Niall Lockhart reflects the certainty of God’s power through weakness, encouraging us to focus on unity, thereby “… experiencing anew a power that is from God alone.”
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Herald November 2024
@pciassembly Presbyterian Church of Myanmar (PCM) | Pray for the staff and students at the Tahan Theological College, that their timetables may unfold without interruption in what is a very challenging context of conflict and uncertainty. @PCIModerator Spent this afternoon meeting some inspirational people at Woodlands Presbyterian Church #Carrickfergus, especially those from overseas and how they came to be here, plus those who have shown them the wonderful biblical example of welcoming the stranger and loving their neighbour. @ArmyChaplaincy #WorldMentalHealthDay reminds us that talking about our mental health can help us cope better. Service personnel & their families can seek holistic care and support whatever their faith or beliefs, from @BritishArmy chaplains. #CaringForTheArmysPeople #WorkplaceMentalHealth. @umnnepal United Mission to Nepal stands in prayer and acknowledges the pain and suffering of the Nepali people caused by the incessant rain, which began on 27 September 2024, resulting in widespread floods and landslides across the country. More updates: umn.org.np/nepalfloods/ @QamarRev The delegation of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan had a very productive meeting with Rev. Uel Marrs Mission Secretary of the Presbyterian Church Ireland during Lausanne 4. It was great to share the collaborative opportunities for Mission. @pciassembly @TPChurchCork @rtenews Children’s charity Barnardos is calling on the Government to ensure the school curriculum includes practical lessons on understanding artificial intelligence.
Andy Lamberton reflects on what’s been in the news recently…. Bite-sized elections The U.S. election has been dotted across our news feeds for months. The scene is often a lake of Americans, on the simmer of a boil, waiting for their candidate to say something funny, pronounce a bite-size slogan or issue a call. Then eruption. Chants. Applause. It’s hard for us on this side of the pond to imagine the scale of the U.S. election or to estimate its importance. Commentators have said that most voters are deciding how to vote based on a few sound bites, a slogan, and whether their candidates made a faux pas on TV or not. Yet as we watch the election unfold, it’s hard to imagine someone changing their mind. The bite-sized info loop only entrenches pre-held allegiances. Republicans become, well, more Republican, and likewise with the Democrats. Yet the slogans, 15-second reels and quick-fire debates seem to be the method of choice to prepare the American public for their big decision. As Christians, we too can fall into the trap of expecting big decisions on little information. We can invite people to follow Jesus (the most crucial decision) based on brief interactions. And we can write people off too soon because they didn’t respond to our catchy statements. Do we recognise the journey our spiritually curious but secular friends must take?
Have you tried the ‘Couch to 5k’? The NHS claims 7.3 million of us have attempted the ‘Couch to 5k’ (CT5K) using its app. For those who don’t know, the CT5K is an 8–10-week programme that gets you off the couch and gradually, with as little pain as possible, enables you to run your first parkrun. It has been an enormously successful transformation tool that moves you from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’. As I thump, thump, thump my feet down the street and try to stop my tummy from wiggling, I wonder what it is about this simple plan that has enabled what many fitness gurus and well-wishing friends could only aspire to? Here are some of my observations of this tried and tested phenomenon: • The starting place is relatable, and each step is achievable. Looking at week one, you instantly think: “I could do that”. Yet when you embrace week five or six, you think: “I never thought I could do that”.
• The programme itself is stripped to the key ingredients. • You are told rest is essential. Can this teach us anything about our approach to disciplemaking? The gospels display a process of transformation. When Jesus gave that initial invitation: “Come follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men”, he had a process in mind. A three-year journey to open the heart, convince the mind and practise the lifestyle. A journey not just from unbelief to belief but to becoming a disciple who makes disciples. The real goal of the CT5K is not to run a certain distance but to turn you into a runner. The life Jesus offers is not an extension but a new home.
Cracking foundations 7,000 homes in Donegal are affected by defective concrete. Excessive levels of the mineral Muscovite Mica (hence ‘mica-crisis’) cause concrete to crack and eventually crumble, leaving homes in need of demolition and rebuilding. Protests towards the concrete manufacturer have turned toward pleas to the government to help. Yet, while cracks continue to spider their way across homes, and dampness and danger lurk, only 40 have received full remediation grants. This is heartbreaking for homeowners with now negative equity, a home that will fall down, and nowhere to turn. Last year, PCI’s Moderator visited families affected and, together with the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops, called on the Irish government to offer complete and immediate redress. There may come a time when we can assess who’s to blame, but for now, action is needed. And these families need our sympathy, our prayers and our help. Jesus, of course, likened his teaching to foundations. And in that regard, it is so sad how many build their lives on that which will fall. As we watch the culture around us, the main observation is plain – people need Jesus. May we go beyond bite-sized slogans and invite people into a journey of transformation where they can build new foundations for their lives. Foundations that will not crumble but last into eternity. Andy Lamberton is a member of Fahan Presbyterian Church, director of Legacy, a ministry for fathers from Exodus and author of Letters for Exiles. Herald November 2024
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NEWS | IN THE ROUND
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Millions facing hunger and hardship
Moderator praises Special Needs schools
New research by the anti-poverty charity Trussell shows that a record 9.3 million people in the UK are facing hunger and hardship. The ‘Cost of Hunger and Hardship’ report found that 1 in 7 people across the UK face hunger and hardship. Shockingly, 46% more children are facing hunger and hardship than two decades ago. That equates to 1 in 5 children growing up trapped in this situation. Without urgent action from the UK government, these numbers are set to increase with an additional 425,000 people expected to be facing hunger and hardship by 2026/27, 40% of whom will be children. Analysis of a range of policy options available to the UK government found that there are solutions available which, if implemented, could mean that millions fewer people face hunger and hardship. Helen Barnard, director of Policy, Research and Impact at Trussell, said, “We need urgent action on hunger in the UK because, if nothing changes, the number of people facing hunger and hardship will only increase. People are turning to foodbanks because they don’t have enough money to live on. But we know it doesn’t have to be this way.”
PCI Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, has praised the work of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) sector in Northern Ireland. Whilst expressing PCI’s “great appreciation for the dedicated and compassionate way that staff provide such a vital service for some of the most vulnerable in our society”, he acknowledged that this is being done in “difficult and constraining times”. Dr Murray was speaking during a visit to Roddensvale School in County Antrim. Originally opened as Larne Special Care School in 1964 with a group of six pupils, today there are 255 children and young people with a range of special educational and physical needs, from the ages of 3–19. While the current school opened on the site in 2005, with further development promised, the Moderator found that resourcing and space was still a major issue. “I was really struck by the complex challenges and the increasing need that there is, and how the school is trying to meet those needs. While great work is being done, it is being undertaken in very difficult and pressing circumstances,” he said.
Historical Society talk
Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, with one of Roddensvale School’s teachers, Jane Montgomery, and pupil Charlie.
Hymnbooks available
IN BRIEF
‘Presbyterians and opposition to slavery: principle, pragmatism and protest’ is the subject of the next Presbyterian Historical Society lecture. Taking place at First Presbyterian Church, Belfast (Rosemary Street), the event on Thursday 21 November will see Dr Andrew Holmes, from Queen’s University, Belfast, examine the widespread opposition to slavery amongst Presbyterians in Ireland after 1780. The talk starts at 8pm.
Woodvale congregation in Belfast has a number of Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook, Church Hymnary third edition and Glory to God, along with early copies of Mission Praise books which they are keen to offer free of charge to a congregation which could benefit from them for use in public worship. To find out more contact Carol Dalzell at cdalzell@hotmail.co.uk
Church leaders visit European institutions
Atheism research
Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, communities and noted the strong level of joined his colleagues in the Church Leaders engagement by the people they met with. Group (Ireland) for a recent two-day visit to Together they welcomed a sincere the European institutions in Brussels. commitment from these key individuals to During a busy two days, they met with the vice building positive relationships between the president of the European Parliament Antonella United Kingdom, Ireland and the European Sberna, executive vice president of the European Union, while recognising the challenges and Commission Maroš Šefčovič, the permanent opportunities that remain especially in relation representative of Ireland to the European to Northern Ireland. Union Ambassador Aingeal O’Donoghue, and the head of the UK mission to the European Union Ambassador Lindsay Croisdale-Appleby. The delegation sought to recognise the positive progress that had been made over the years following on from Brexit as well as communicating the ongoing concerns and challenges faced by many Church leaders meeting Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič (third from left) were: Dr Richard sectors and communities, Murray (Presbyterian Moderator); Dr John Alderdice (Methodist President); Archbishops especially in Northern Ireland. John McDowell and Eamon Martin (Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Primates); They also shared the wide range and Bishop Sarah Groves (President of the Irish Council of Churches), with Joint Secretaries to the Group, Rev Trevor Gribben and Dr Heather Morris. of perspectives within their
In response to new research by Queen’s University, Belfast which found that the number of atheists in the UK exceeds the number of people who believe in God, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland released a statement. A spokesperson for PCI said, “While we can’t comment directly on a report that we have not had sight of, we recognise that we live in an increasingly pluralist society. However, we believe that there is a Godshaped vacuum in the heart of every man and women that only Jesus Christ can fill. “While this report may suggest a rise in atheism at home and abroad, we continue to see men and women, boys and girls come to faith in Jesus, and we recognise this is the work of God, which continues through the ages.”
Herald November 2024
PERSONAL VIEW
Life lessons Andy Frost
Director of Share International and speaker at Starting Strong. we can work more intentionally across church life and home life. Ultimately, I hope that children will be supported in finding a faith that lasts.
I live in London with my wife Jo and two daughters. I grew up in a Christian family, had a rebellious patch, and then came back to faith at 18. Since then, I’ve been involved in all kinds of ministry and I have a particular heart to see churches sharing Jesus in word and action with their community. We spend a lot of time helping our children academically with learning the alphabet and last-minute homework. We spend a lot of time helping them mature relationally, making friends and dealing with challenges. And we spend time investing in their health, trying to help them exercise and eat five fruit and veg a day! I’m not always sure that, as parents, we give as much thought and time into helping our children develop spiritually. Children are bombarded with messages in the playground and on their screens but we have a role, as parents and carers, to help them discover the ultimate message of Jesus. The books and resources I’ve written aim to help parents share that message and nurture faith. Sometimes as parents, we can think we need to leave the discipleship of our children to the professionals – the Sunday school teachers, the youth workers and the minister. And sometimes in church leadership, we can think that the parents have a handle on things and are getting on with discipleship in the home, and we can leave it to them. But when church leaders and parents come together, we can see how church life and home life become more joined up in helping our children follow Jesus. For example, the questions children are asking at home can be fed into the church teaching programme and parents can be better supported and equipped for how they can intertwine faith into the everyday with their kids. Church leaders and parents can have different perspectives and my hope is that the Starting Strong event will help us all see things from another perspective and create space for conversation around how
I love that the church is such a mix of different people from different backgrounds. Just last Sunday I was looking around the gathering and we had people from such a range of cultures. We also had some top business leaders and people living on benefits; parents carrying their babies and a lady in her 90s; and some people who had been believers for more than 60 years and some people exploring faith for the first time. The gathered church is a unique place! The church exists to be and share good news. I get frustrated when we spend our resources and our time making ourselves comfortable rather than following Jesus into the world to make disciples. I always feel closer to God when I am out in creation. Last week I was climbing munros in Scotland and bivvy bagging. Watching shooting stars at night and scaling rocky mountains by day is a reminder of just how small we are and how big God is. I love reflecting on the psalms in vast open spaces.
There are lots of things I have achieved but I often remember when my dad (who was a national evangelist) was dying – he shared that his greatest achievements weren’t the books he’d written or the events he had run but the relationships he had invested in. Ultimately, he said that my brother and me and the young men we were becoming, were his greatest achievements. There is something profound about that and I hope my greatest achievement will Starting Strong be what I have invested in others. Taking place at High Street Presbyterian Church, Holywood on Thursday 14 November, Starting Strong is an evening designed to support parents and churches as they work together to nurture and disciple children. To book, go to www.presbyterianireland.org/ startingstrong
Herald November 2024
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IN THIS MONTH...
November 1988
Dipping into the archives to take a look back at what was making Presbyterian headlines and news in history.
First word Robert Cobain
Next month we will be carrying an article…on the run up to the official launching of a campaign which is seeking “a quantum leap to a new level of awareness and sense of involvement throughout the Church in its corporate work over and above that of the local congregation.” It is not an exercise in “polishing up our image” as some have thought. We are struggling with the problem of how we can grasp, understand, experience and identify with the work of the whole Church of which you and your local congregation is but a part. Being a Presbyterian is more than attending a Sunday service. We all know something of our Presbyterian Church’s work as we experience it at the local level…We know less about what goes on in the presbytery, even less of what happens at the Synod… What is being done in the name of Christ and in your name as a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is something that will make you feel proud. I know I can’t go into the prisons to bring the good news of the gospel but chaplains do. I know I can’t help with the rehabilitation of young offenders but Thompson House, in north Belfast, has helped over 300 young men over the past five years…I know of the good work being done by the Residential Trust in caring for many of our elderly Presbyterians… Now you and I can’t go to do the specialist kind of work I’ve described, but our giving to the United Appeal each year helps to keep this caring and sharing ministry on the road… I’ve said little about many of the other areas of work the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is engaged in: the overseas work in Jamaica, Nepal, Kenya and Brazil. The Home Mission work, church extension, Shankill Road Mission, the Union Theological College, Christian training, evangelism – the list goes on. We need to regularly inform ourselves and tell others about our Presbyterian Church in Ireland and about the good work it is doing…
Support from the Young Women’s Groups
The Boys’ Brigade in Ireland
1988 has been a year of celebration for the Boys’ Brigade in Ireland. Five years after the BB started in Glasgow in 1883, William McVicker founded the First Belfast company. Today it is the largest youth organisation in the country… September was the month in which it was on show to the rest of the world. First a group of young leaders from around the world held an international workshop based at Rathmore House, Larne. Then over 600 officers from the United Kingdom and Ireland together with overseas guests held their annual Council meetings at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown… To mark the Irish centenary… Northern Ireland Railways named a train ‘The Boys’ Brigade’. The unveiling ceremony was carried out…at Larne Harbour…
At a presentation held at Church House, Belfast, Violet Booth (extreme left) of the Young Women’s Groups presented a cheque for £14,000 to Rev Terry McMullan (executive secretary of the Overseas Board) for the Church of Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Lynne Fullerton (third from left in the front row) also of the Young Women’s Groups presented a cheque for £13,000 to Richard Avery of the Clifton Street Centre, Belfast for work with the unemployed.
Also from November ’88 8
George H.W. Bush wins the US Presidential election
Herald November 2024
Enya tops the UK singles charts with Orinoco Flow
Benazir Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party wins first free elections in 11 years
MY STORY... Retired Presbyterian minister, Rev Dr Isaac Thompson, MBE, TD, DL, shares his story of being a former army reserve chaplain and how he is embracing his new role as chaplain of the Royal British Legion NI.
Onward Christian soldiers
I
became an army reserve chaplain after the General Rhine) in Germany, for two weeks to cover for a regular Assembly of 1986. The Forces’ committee was appealing chaplain. My first ever service attachment was to Hohne in for younger ministers to think about becoming a reserve Lower Saxony, which like many such bases had been a Nazi chaplain. During my assistantship, I had thought garrison, and it was next to the Bergen-Belsen concentration about regular army chaplaincy, but when I got a call from camp, liberated by British Forces in 1945. As well as various Dundrod congregation in 1985, I had a peace about going two-week training exercises in GB, I was involved in a major in the direction of parish ministry. Then when the appeal for NATO exercise based in the German Celle training area and chaplains was made, I felt compelled to volunteer. I received another in Ukraine in the Lviv area, Transcarpathia. Her Majesty’s Commission and had the substantive rank I have just been appointed as chaplain to the Royal British of Captain, or Chaplain to the Forces, Legion NI (RBL), the first Presbyterian Class 4. When I resigned 18 years later, Soldiers are usually quite minister to occupy this position. Much I had the substantive rank of Major, of my role is ceremonial. One of my keen to talk to their or Chaplain to the Forces, Class 3, first duties will be to conduct the ‘padre’ and share and by that stage was minister in First Remembrance Service as part of the Cookstown. Festival of Remembrance in the packed concerns. Today under King’s Regulations, Waterfront Hall on the first Saturday chaplains, as commissioned officers by the Monarch, are evening of November. I will also be expected to lead prayer at responsible for the provision of religious ministrations to the annual conference and be available to be a listening ear. the personnel of the army in peace and war, as well as their Most people will associate the RBL only with raising families, promoting, by all practical means, the moral and funds through the annual Poppy Appeal, and its major role spiritual welfare of the entire military community. as organiser of Remembrance ceremonies. Like an iceberg, Throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, she was however, nine-tenths of its work is under the surface. It served by 14 Chaplains General – there have been only provides recovery and rehabilitation support to serving and 26 Chaplains General in total. Until 1985, the Chaplain ex-service personnel who are wounded, injured or sick. The General had always been Anglican, but at that time, a same support is also available for those who are experiencing Scottish Presbyterian was appointed. Then in 1995 when multiple challenges such as being out of work, dealing with Rev Jim Harkness retired, Rev Dr Victor Dobbin, an Irish mental health problems, financial issues and alcohol abuse. Presbyterian (with the substantive rank of Major General), It is also a means of providing ex-service personnel and their was appointed and was in post until 2000. families with a ‘national family’. Many ex-service personnel It is important that the chaplain is out and about to meet still need help after a range of conflict situations, many of the soldiers and get to know them. They are usually quite which are ongoing, such as the Ukraine situation. keen to talk to their ‘padre’ and share concerns. This gives the On coming to live in Coleraine after retirement, I decided chaplain, in many ways, a unique opportunity to listen and to join the Garvagh Branch of the RBL, largely because the offer spiritual advice, but always in non-churchy language. I names of my two aunts are on the clock tower war memorial still meet soldiers, albeit now retired, many having risen in there. One served in the WRAF and the other in the army the ranks, and they’ll remind me of something I did for them during the Second World War. For me, Garvagh (Garbhach or advice offered. in Irish), which means ‘rough place’ is not a rough place. In its Every year I had difficulty in making up my required surrounding townlands is my DNA and I’m thankful to live annual 28 training days. So, the army would send me to a in such an area and proud to serve and support the work of base, usually in what was then BAOR (British Army of the the RBL. Herald November 2024
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NEWS | PCI
Events Tackling sensitive issues
Church planting taster day
Hashtags and Hormones is an evening designed specifically for parents and those who care for young people. The programme will explore why silence is not an option when it comes to addressing sensitive issues with our young people, and will celebrate God’s life-giving story for relationships and sex. PCI and Love for Life are partnering to present the same event in two locations. The first will take place in Waringstown Presbyterian Church on Thursday 6 February, and the second in Wellington Presbyterian, Ballymena on Tuesday 4 March. Both events will run from 7.30pm to 9.15pm. The events cost £5. For more information and how to book, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/hashtags
PCI is holding a Church Planting Taster Day on Saturday 16 November in Maynooth Community Church. The half-day will present a vision for church planting in Ireland, stories of recent practice and offer support and guidance to help you or your congregation take the next steps in church planting. Those who feel drawn to be involved in church planting are encouraged to attend, and congregations with a vision to plant elsewhere should come along with their minister and some elders or key leaders. For more details including registration, please visit: www.presbyterianireland.org/ churchplanting
2025
Kids’ Big Day Out ‘Kids’ Big Day Out’ is back for another action-packed, fun-filled afternoon, with West Presbyterian Church, Bangor hosting the event on Saturday 8 March 2025, between 2pm and 4pm. With ‘God is everywhere’ as its theme, this event for primary school-aged children and leaders has a programme of music, interaction, games and activities while learning together about following God. To find out more and to book go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/kidsbigdayout
Sharing faith How Christians share faith has changed – many people often appear disinterested in church and struggle to see the relevance of faith. PCI is tackling the issue through two events. Darin and Joy Stevens, from Start to Stir, will help us think more deeply and practically about how we equip members and leaders to have conversations which really engage those who don’t yet know Jesus. The first event on Tuesday 28 January is ideal for ministers, elders, church workers and anyone involved in encouraging others to think about life more deeply on a journey towards faith in Christ. The second, for paid children’s, youth and family workers within PCI, takes place on Wednesday 29 January. Both events take place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast between 10.30am and 12.45pm, and are free. However, booking in advance is required at: www.presbyterianireland.org/stir
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Herald November 2024
God is everywhere
Training programme Want to sharpen your approach to leading in your role in church life? ‘Leading Edge’ is a programme of five mornings spread across a six-month period, offering the opportunity to come together with others to explore some key aspects of leading others in the church today. Together, all five days can also be accessed as a package of annual ministerial in-service training that will also include some guided reading and a one-to-one conversation with a course facilitator about the specific challenges or opportunities in your leadership setting. Each gathering will offer a mix of Bible engagement, equipping for leadership, discussion, personal reflection and learning with others. Themes that will be explored together are as follows: leading from a place of acceptance; leading in disorienting times; leading well with others; leading without having to feel in control; and leading for a change. Find out more at www.presbyterianireland.org/leadingedge
Event for young people Mark Hawthorne will help young people, aged 11–16, consider ‘Who am I? – Living in our true identity’ at ‘Explore’ events. The first Explore event takes place at Clogherney Presbyterian Church in County Tyrone on Friday 28 February, starting at 7.45pm, with another event at New Row Presbyterian, Coleraine on Sunday 23 March, from 6.30pm. The same programme will run in both venues. Go to www.presbyterianireland.org/explore for further information.
Find out more on www.presbyterianireland.org
News
DIARY DATES November
Blaze prayer
Discipleship Today Forum Drumreagh Presbyterian – Tuesday 12 First Portadown – Tuesday 26 Lowe Memorial – Thursday 28
Children and families across PCI are encouraged to pray for global mission through the Blaze the Bee initiative. This month we are praying for Csaba and Ilona Veres who serve in Bodaszőlő in Hungary. To download the Blaze prayer calendar, go to www.presbyterianireland.org/blaze
Mission pioneers
Starting Strong High Street, Holywood – Thursday 14
Building faith in our children
Pioneers are those who go first, pave the way and initiate connection with those outside the church to engage them with both the gospel and Christian community. PCI, through its Council for Mission in Ireland, wishes to identify and recruit mission pioneers who can be involved in this kind of work across Ireland. If you feel called to be involved in church planting, new evangelistic outreach or pioneering mission, then this is something to explore. All applicants will be assessed in terms of suitability before being assigned a programme of apprenticeship and training, some of which will be alongside ongoing service. The closing date for the next cohort of applications is 31 January 2025. For more information, go to: www.presbyterianireland.org/missionpioneers
New IMP project leader Rev Colin Dickson has taken over as the new project leader for the International Meeting Point, following the recent retirement of Keith Preston. Colin now leads the teams across both south and north Belfast.
Carrickfergus Presbytery Tour Ballycarry, the oldest PCI congregation, was among the first places Moderator Dr Richard Murray visited as part of his tour of Carrickfergus Presbytery. The first of four presbytery tours Dr Murray will complete as part of his Moderatorial year, the visit to Carrickfergus Presbytery was made up of a range of civic, community and church engagements and included watching Ballyclare Comrades play Dundela Football Club at Dixon Park and visiting the Port of Larne, and, in their 200th anniversary year, the RNLI’s lifeboat station. Speaking ahead of the tour, Dr Murray said, “Someone once described the Carrickfergus Presbytery to me as ‘the mothership’ of PCI given that it was the first presbytery, and I am very much looking forward to the week.” He added, “While there are a number of civic elements to the tour, and I want to encourage all who serve in their various ways, the primary focus is pastoral; encouraging our congregations. Spending a time of fellowship and prayer in three separate meetings across the week with their ministers will also be a highlight for me.”
Church planting taster day
Maynooth – Saturday 16
January Leading Edge
Stormont Presbyterian – Starts Thursday 16
Stirring Spiritual Curiosity Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Tuesday 28
February Hashtags and Hormones Waringstown Presbyterian – Thursday 6
Explore
Clogherney Presbyterian – Friday 28
March Hashtags and Hormones Wellington Presbyterian – Tuesday 4
Explore Above: Dr Richard Murray visited Larne Foodbank and praised those who support it and the work that it does. The Moderator is pictured with the foodbank’s Catherine Lynas. Below: Dr Murray met volunteers at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Larne Station which is celebrating a double birthday – 30 years of the Larne Lifeboat Station and 200 years of the RNLI. The Moderator is pictured with Derek Rea, station mechanic and crew member.
New Row Presbyterian – Sunday 23
April Discipleship Today Forum for young adults Fisherwick Presbyterian – Tuesday 1
Discipleship Today Forum (PCI children, youth and family workers) Assembly Buildings, Belfast – Thursday 3
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CONGREGATIONAL STORY
A project built
on prayer
Sarah Harding reports on the opening of a new PCI church building in Maynooth, a project that encountered many miracles along the way. 12
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he opening of Maynooth Community Church (MCC) in September, one of PCI’s youngest congregations, was a historic occasion. It was the first time in over a century that PCI had opened a standalone congregation’s brand-new purpose-built church. The last time this had happened was with Arklow Presbyterian in 1915. I had last visited MCC in 2017 and reported in the June edition of the Herald that year that the planned
Our identity as a church is never about the property.
God’s provision
new building would be ready in 2018. The congregation had just purchased the required land (at a fraction of the market cost, due to the generosity and support of the community) and excitement was high at the imminent development work. Fast forward to 2024, I returned to the long-awaited opening to discover what had happened in those intervening years and why there had been a six-year delay to the building’s completion.
Unsurprisingly, Covid was a major factor in the delay, as was cost, which was a big issue before the pandemic, but it escalated astronomically after it. Minister, Rev Keith McCrory, says, “We reached a crisis point in October 2022.” The congregation had raised the original target, but in the new postCovid climate this would only build the worship space, two small rooms and the foyer – no kitchen, toilets, offices or prayer room. After a long, and prayerful discussion, it was with very heavy hearts that the elders decided the build was no longer feasible and this was announced to the congregation. The following week, feeling a little despondent, the elders did the only thing they could – invite the congregation to pray. After an evening of prayer together, elder Tom Gillam recalls, “At 12.03am I got a text message from an old friend back in the USA who said, ‘Tom, we need to talk…’” Tom waited until the next day to call him and the friend said, “My wife and I have been praying…” As a supportraising missionary from the States, Tom says, “He said the thing that is music to my ears! I thought, ‘This guy could maybe give us €10,000!’ But in fact, he said, ‘The Lord has led us to give you €500,000.’” This miracle of God’s provision was the catalyst for the change in circumstances and more donations started to come in – some centrally from PCI. Within 10 days, they had raised an unbelievable €1.8 million. Keith says, “Talk about immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine! It was a celebration of God’s kindness, as well as the kindness of our wider PCI family.”
The provision didn’t stop there – in seeking some second-hand furniture to kit out the building, Keith was led to a dealer who had just received a large shipment of chairs and office furniture but needed rid of them quickly. She ended up giving them to the congregation for free. “Without question,” he says, “our primary act of fundraising throughout this journey has been to pray.”
The blessing of a building For 22 years, the church has met in a variety of locations, including a school and a corridor in a shopping centre. Keith says the worst location was a chemistry lab – “I would definitely not recommend that as a meeting place!” So the new building seems richly deserved for all those years as nomads. However, Keith is very clear that although it is a huge blessing, “Our identity as a church is never about the property.” He continues, “You’ll never hear any of us call this ‘the church’. We call it ‘our facility’ or ‘the building’. The church is always the people.” In terms of mission, it is hoped that the building will be hugely influential in drawing others in. Lisa Keegan, a relatively new member of the
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Participation is key to discipleship – I don’t think you can be discipled in a chair.
Transient congregation
This presents a different dynamic to other congregations and therefore consistency and maintaining volunteers can be more challenging, but Keith is clear that this doesn’t hold them back investing in their outreach to students or others they know will move on. “We’re kingdom people. We’ve benefited from other churches and other people who have invested in us, so we like to think we’re investing the same.”
The congregation of MCC is in large part transient, due to either students or workers in the area fulfilling their contracts and moving on. Between the university and global companies like Intel, IBM and Hewlett Packard, many people are only in the area for three years. Keith says, “We typically lose around 25 people a year.”
Just like the name suggests – MCC is focused on community. It essentially started as a home group and so that ethos has continued. The worship is largely in the collected gathering each Sunday, but the sense of community, discipleship and support is through the home groups.
congregation says, “When it was in the school, it wasn’t visible – even though there were signs outside. Most of the population didn’t know it existed. So it’s such a big asset to have a building – now people walk by Tesco and they can see it. I just feel it’s going to grow from strength to strength.”
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Community
Keith says, “At one stage we had a big discussion about whether we should have a pastoral care team, and it was rejected in the end because MCC is the pastoral care team, and our primary source of pastoral care is in our home groups. Everybody’s caring for everyone.” Keith believes the key to a successful home group is vulnerability. “We do an evaluation of our home groups and one of the questions is: how vulnerable is your group? If the group isn’t vulnerable, it’s failing. We can end up talking about the weather or the football rather than real issues.” One new initiative in the last few years has been to cover material in the home groups based on whatever is preached on a Sunday. Keith says,
Throughout this journey, our primary act of fundraising has been to pray.
If you create a culture where people can fail, then you’re actually creating a culture that allows people to succeed. “It’s been a really good development because our folks get the chance to dig back into the Sunday passage and ask what it means to them.” Unlike many other congregations, the newness of MCC means that there is no legacy of people attending because their parents did. Instead, people come fresh to the church because they’ve chosen to. Keith believes the thing people come searching for is authentic community. “If the community authenticates what’s been taught and preached, then I think there’s an attraction to that. If it’s inauthentic, if it’s just a performance, then they’re not interested. Community is crucial – I think it’s one of the reasons people stay the same length of time after the service as they do during it!”
Doing things differently MCC fully endorses the idea of allmember ministry, which was partly borne out of necessity – it couldn’t function without lots of volunteers. But there is also a vision for discipleship behind it. Keith says, “Participation is key to discipleship – I don’t think you can be discipled in a chair.”
It’s something the leadership of MCC is aware of maintaining. “A minister can retreat into being the only person who prays, reads and teaches the Bible. I remember a professor at seminary college told us: ‘Inadvertently, we can tell our congregation – you can’t do it, I need to. And eventually the congregation comes to agree.’
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Rev Keith McCrory at the site of the new building in 2017
“I think we’ve been forced into something many other churches have known for years, but by being forced into it, we’re delighted to have learned. Initially my thinking was – it’s 10 times easier to do it yourself than to build a team. But when you have a team, they’re 10 times better than you could ever be.” MCC has around nine men and women who preach regularly and the worship team has around 19 people on a rota. Keith points out that encouraging people to take on new things can seem scary and risky, but there are great rewards to be had. “People don’t get involved because they’re afraid of failing. If you create a culture where people can fail, then you’re actually creating a culture that allows people to succeed. And that’s just brilliant to see. Speaking at the front needs to be a community thing and not just from the minister – otherwise the minister just becomes the professional and everyone else is the amateur.” In terms of reaching out into the local community, Keith is conscious of the church trying to ‘widen its circle’, since that’s been a key part of his own story. Growing up a Catholic in a nationalist area in Derry, Keith came to faith through a Crusader class that he only attended because one of his teachers felt called to invite every boy in his class along. He says, “We have to keep widening 16
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…people in Ireland are more willing to hear the gospel than we are willing to tell them. our circles and taking risks. I truly believe that people in Ireland are more willing to hear the gospel than we are willing to tell them.”
Going forward It will be exciting to watch this space and see what God does in Maynooth in the months and years ahead. When asked how she would describe MCC, Lisa Keegan says, “Pure family – unconditional love and support.” Tom Gillam agrees and says, “People
come here and they have found the gospel applied to the life of a community in this place. That’s what attracts folks and keeps them here.” Keith McCrory is keen to point out, though, that MCC is far from perfect – just as no church is perfect. He says: “I hope PCI will look at our church and realise that we’re nothing special. MCC might sound great in summary, and we hope we will be an encouragement to our wider family, but I promise you, like all of our congregations, we are just a bunch of ordinary people doing ordinary things, seeking to love and serve our Lord. It is Jesus, and the gospel he has made possible, that is special, and happily, God is delighted to work in every one of our circumstances.”
Moderator Dr Richard Murray, minister of MCC Rev Keith McCrory, clerk of session Laurene Barry.
Behind the wire As we commemorate Remembrance this month, Dr Ian McNie explores the life of Charles E.B. Cranfield, a preacher, pastor, padre, pioneer and professor who served as an army chaplain during the Second World War.
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any of those who served in the World Wars spoke little of their experiences on their return. My father David often modelled this reality, but on occasions did share his experience of landing on Gold Beach in Normandy on ‘D-Day’ as a serving member of the 51st Highland Battalion. As the landing craft neared the beach, its commander instructed him to list the names of all the 74 soldiers on board. Opening the fly leaf of a testament, Jesus Among Men, given to the troops by the Chaplain General, he recorded the names of all present. On disembarking, and arriving at the pre-determined rendezvous point, he was ordered to call the roll, by ticking the names of those present. The list reveals that not everyone made it. Some drowned as their heavy backpacks pulled them under the water, while others
fell foul of enemy gunfire. Also in his pocket, my father had a second New Testament, which was stained by the waters of the Normandy waves. In it, he had written a quote from American Civil War General ‘Stonewall’ Jackson: “My religion teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the hour of death, I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready when it may overtake me.” While the collective experience of many soldiers paints a graphic picture of the horrors
…he offered his services to visit German prisoners, providing ministry for them, and gaining fluency in the German language.
Charles E.B. Cranfield
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of war, there are also those whose stories show the other side of those dark and difficult days. As a representative of PCI to the Waldensian Assembly in Italy, I met a Church of Scotland minister, Mary Cranfield, a regular attendee who ably guided first-time representatives regarding the procedures and nuances of our hosts. Recognising the name Cranfield, I was prompted to ask if she was related to Charles E.B. Cranfield, the internationally renowned New Testament scholar. He was Mary’s father. Within our own denomination, and worldwide, generations of theological students have studied his books on the Greek texts of Mark and Romans. Through conversations with his daughter, it was obvious that he was not only a theological professor, but also a preacher, pastor, padre and pioneer, with
Ian’s father – David McNie
…he persuaded the authorities to prioritise the return of some pastors to Germany. a wealth of experience that far surpassed the realms of academia. Long before his appointment as Professor of New Testament at Durham University, his legacy by the end of the Second World War had contributed significantly to the command of Jesus Christ, to “go into all the world”, and also, to Christ’s promise: “I will build my church”. Cranfield, as a probationer for the Methodist ministry, was too young for ordination, and volunteered in 1942 as an army chaplain. After six months’ service in the 3rd Battalion of the Welsh Guards, he was called up to join the S.S. Strathallan, a passenger
Inscription in David McNie’s New Testament
David McNie’s New Testament, stained by the Normandy waves
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vessel conscripted to transport over 4000 troops, engaged in a special mission, code named, ‘Operation Torch’. Torpedoed by a German U-Boat, virtually all the personnel were rescued by accompanying ships in the convoy, before arriving in Oran, North Africa. Cranfield spent the next 18 months providing ministry in two hospitals on the coast of Algeria. In 1943 he was asked to provide worship services for the British staff working in a prisoner of war camp, and in so doing, he offered his services to visit German prisoners, providing ministry for them, and gaining fluency in the German language. He forged friendships with high-ranking German personnel, one being General Hans Cramer, who after his return to Germany, became involved in the military leaders’ ‘20 July’ plot against Hitler. This pattern of ministry to POWs was a model he replicated on future occasions. In June 1944, the hospital was moved to Italy, and a few months later Cranfield requested to be posted into a combatant unit, enabling him to better understand those who were on the front line. This posting with the Royal Tank Regiment only lasted for a short period because of the unexpected cessation of hostilities on 29 April 1945. At this point, the Deputy Chaplain General, acting on his own initiative, without War Office consent, appointed Cranfield to look after German pastors who were not exempt from frontline military service, and also engage in pastoral work among Protestants in the surrendered German army. These pastors were traumatised, vulnerable, depressed, and guilt-ridden as a result of their past actions and needed both emotional and spiritual support. Cranfield and others identified this as an important ministry, and spent much time with these prisoners. Having received a level of spiritual and emotional healing, these pastors in turn exercised a similarly effective ministry, assisting other prisoners of war, whose mental health was fragile and self-worth at rock bottom. In this new field of work, one of his first duties was to visit Pastor Martin Niemöller in Naples, where he had been brought on his release from a German
Pastor Martin Niemöller. Credit: Nationaal Archief
concentration camp. Niemöller, a former U-Boat Commander, initially an ardent supporter of the Nazi regime, was now a member of the Confessing Church, having recognised the incompatibility of Christianity and Nazi philosophy. He became a most outspoken critic and was imprisoned by a direct order from Hitler, serving eight years before his release. Niemöller played a major role in rebuilding the evangelical church in Germany. Cranfield met with him regularly, encouraging and assisting him. Niemöller stressed the necessity for the repatriation of German pastors, as early as possible, to give leadership at home, and counter the influence of the Nazis in the German church. In response, while in Italy, Cranfield spent much time arranging the repatriation of pastors not needed in the POW camps, recognising the huge shortage of them in Germany. He, like Niemöller, realised that the Confessing Church, over and against the politicised German church, needed to be the voice of gospel proclamation in Germany. To meet with and implement the ideas of Niemöller to strengthen the Confessing Church, was an act of extreme courage on the part of Cranfield. When Cranfield returned to England, his reputation had preceded him, and he was appointed, unofficially with the support of the Chaplain General and of the War Office, as a staff chaplain, and given access to those working in the political intelligence department. Visiting London POW camps, where there were no German Protestant pastors, he arranged for pastors to be transferred from other camps. Remembering conversations with Niemöller, he persuaded the authorities to prioritise the return of some pastors to Germany. For pastors remaining in the UK, with the assistance of
the YMCA, the British Council of Churches and the British and Foreign Bible Society, Cranfield organised resources for the spiritual, pastoral and emotional upbuilding of these weary, disillusioned, discouraged, traumatised and demoralised pastors. Cranfield’s mind constantly focused on how he could help pastors and individual prisoners of war, to understand that the church cared, and he wrote to many clergy in England and Wales, encouraging them to visit POW camps within their locality. Many of the POWs suffered with immense pain and anxiety, recognising their side had lost, and hearing news of hunger and hardship back in Germany. He believed that a visit from a British pastor had a value and importance, out of all proportion to the little effort and trouble involved. At one point he drafted a letter and asked church leaders to sign it as a token of their support for the German pastors who were appointed chaplains in the camps. Two Archbishops, the Moderators of the Church of Scotland and the Free Church Federal Council responded positively to this request. The church leader who responded most positively to Cranfield was his close friend and ally, George Bell. Collectively, his positions, contacts and interests were invaluable. As Bishop of Chichester and member of the House of Lords, he was respected in many circles of influence and was prepared to assist Cranfield, opening any door that was required. He encouraged local British clergy to partner with Cranfield, helping him in his work in visiting POW camps and providing resources for the German pastors. Through Cranfield’s behind-thescenes work, individually and collectively with pastors, church leaders and church councils, individual organisations and government departments, the
Cranfield organised resources for the spiritual, pastoral and emotional upbuilding of these…traumatised and demoralised pastors.
contribution that Cranfield made to the long-term rebuilding of the Confessing Church and through it, German society, was immense. Bonhoeffer was executed behind the wire, Niemöller was incarcerated behind the wire, Cranfield ministered behind the wire, and Bell assisted outside the wire. This article has only scratched the surface of the massive contribution made by Rev Professor Charles Ernest Burland Cranfield, an unsung hero of the Second World War. Due to his academic brilliance, Cranfield moved into academia and was appointed a lecturer in Theology at the University of Durham in 1950. Later he was awarded a personal chair as Professor of Theology in 1978. At this time, as the nation remembers all those who paid the ultimate price in past conflicts, let us not be unmindful of the chaplains of our Church who serve in the armed forces. Author’s note: My main source in writing this article was through the generosity of Charles Cranfield’s daughter, Mary, who shared with me personal information from original papers, letters and pamphlets belonging to her father, and summarised by her mother, Ruth, daughter of Thomas Bole, a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Very Rev Dr Ian McNie is a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Herald November 2024
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Stirring spiritual curiosity
!?!?! Jonny McClune interviews Darin and Joy Stevens from Start to Stir, a charity seeking to address how we can have better conversations with our neighbours about our Christian faith.
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tart to Stir is a charity that is passionate in helping Christians to share their faith, believing that we can have better faith conversations if we better understand how unchurched people think and feel and therefore learn to start in a different place. Darin and Joy Stevens lead Start to Stir and have developed resources to help Christians share faith in ways that feel more natural than forced in settings where people are largely indifferent to the gospel message. Some PCI churches have been using the Stir resources while working with young people and seeing great results. Later this church year, PCI is holding an event with Darin and Joy to help church leaders think more deeply about how we share our faith in our local contexts. I caught up with Darin and Joy to find out what it’s all about.
…many young people are now several generations removed from the church… 20
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How did Start to Stir begin? J: Darin and I have been working with young people for over 20 years and we learned that many young people are now several generations removed Darin and Joy Stevens from the church, from understanding the Bible and ultimately from God. So the ‘Stir’ approach grew out of trying to reach them with the good news of Jesus. D: Our first resource is called the ‘Stir’ course and it’s like a pre-Alpha or preChristianity Explored course. It helps youth leaders have deeper conversations with unchurched young people.
outreach – things like Messy Church and church cafés – instinctively we know we have to get outside the church walls. These spaces are great for building relationships but many of us get stuck trying to have spiritual conversations and talk about Jesus. Stir can help because it’s grappling with where the culture is at and how we can start there.
So is this just for young people? J: No, that’s just where Stir started, but we’re increasingly seeing adults around the country using it at dinner clubs or toddler groups, where leaders are trying to turn relational spaces into a context for initial spiritual conversations. D: Churches are super creative with
The most natural conversations we’ve had… “We’ve had the most natural conversations about faith that we’ve ever had with this group of young people and the Stir material facilitated that.”
What are the challenges to starting a spiritual conversation? D: As Christians, we’ve been trained to start with Jesus, which often doesn’t
It didn’t leave me feeling guilty… “The Stir video training didn’t leave me feeling guilty or pressured, but it gave me small, realistic and practical steps I could take every day to share my faith.” appear overly effective in today’s culture. I don’t think people are largely against Jesus or hostile to Christians, it’s that they are indifferent to faith and spiritual matters. Another reason is, we lack confidence in sharing our faith. Some of that has to do with the messages we hear from our churches. These are meant to inspire, but when we hear of the minister on the train who was asked if he was a priest because of his dog collar and had a great conversation about faith where he quoted C.S. Lewis, that’s amazing, but the rest of us are sat there thinking: “I don’t wear a dog collar and I don’t think I can quote C.S. Lewis… apart from a few Narnia characters.” Celebrating these types of encounters actually demotivates the average Christian rather than motivates them. You talk about ‘stirring curiosity’ in the Stir course. How does this fit into our understanding of evangelism? D: Lots of the tools the church has made available in evangelism over the last few decades have been for the harvesting stage. The culture has shifted and we need more tools in the cultivating and planting stages. We’re increasingly aware of how long it can take for someone to come to faith after hearing the gospel. It takes patience to walk with people at their pace.
We are unashamedly starting where the culture is. But we also have a really intentional plan to get to Jesus. Stir is helping people see where others are starting from. God has already put spiritual longings inside each of us and we can learn to identify those longings. So, if we can stir those up in someone and point them to God, then I think that can motivate a spiritual journey and present an invitation to follow Jesus.
We are…starting where the culture is. But we also have a really intentional plan to get to Jesus. How does the course work? J: It’s based around short sessions with video content. We know leaders are often time poor so there’s not much preparation to do. The sessions are designed to stir up these spiritual longings that are common to every human being, stirring them up to the surface and saying, could that be a signpost that there’s more to you than just your body and your brain? D: We also have a Stir video training series which helps Christians learn how to stir spiritual curiosity in their everyday conversations. What are your hopes for the church in stirring spiritual curiosity? J: We envision a church where everybody can have stirring conversations with their neighbours and their co-workers and their friends.
Great quality resources ready to go… “As a leader it has been wonderful to use a resource where everything is already neatly packaged for you and ready to use. Alongside the pack, the website has helpful resources, training videos and articles, as well as the opportunity to get in touch with the creators of the resource and ask for extra help.” Where Christians feel equipped in these conversations, not fearful, demotivated or stuck. I think it would be so transformative in a community if a whole church could stir. Jonny McClune is PCI’s Congregational Witness development officer.
Keep thinking about stirring spiritual curiosity in your context and join PCI in the ongoing conversation. Watch now You can head to Start to Stir’s website to read a further blog or watch the taster sessions from the training series. Save the date PCI will be hosting an event on 28 January with Darin and Joy for ministers, leaders and elders to think about how we stir spiritual curiosity though our churches: www.presbyterianireland.org/stir Look out for… A podcast about the challenges of stirring spiritual curiosity will be available later this month. To pre-save, scan the QR Code For more information on Start to Stir in youth contexts, go to: www.starttostir.com/pci
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TALKING POINTS
Influence
Norman Hamilton asks who or what influences us and encourages us to consider where we should be looking instead.
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ecently I read two articles that seriously encouraged or the demands and dilemmas of the workplace? In essence, me to think again about a question that has long how much do we examine the Scriptures to shape the whole been on my mind. Who or what has the biggest of life – day in, day out – with its demands, challenges, influence on me? One article was headlined ‘Your unknowns, opportunities, needs, joys and sorrows? phone is telling you what to think. It’s just the start… In the course of any given day, there are many competing artificial intelligence is leaking into all areas of life.’ pressures for our attention, and almost all of them influence The second was a quotation from a Christian writer on how we think and how we act: the chat shows on radio that politics: “Many people want Christianity and churches to we listen to regularly; the news bulletins with reports and reinforce their politics, and the corollary of this is that they opinions on almost every event and every aspect of everyday do not want God to mess with their politics.” life; the messages and information we get on social media; Maybe these two writers are overstating the reality, yet the views of others on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok; the I sense there is enough truth in each chat in the supermarket or at the golf What my phone or statement to trouble both my mind club; the expectations of family, friends and my soul. Just think how easy it is colleagues. All of these are constant politicians tell me must and and how often we google an answer to 24/7 influences on us, and so the Bible, never ever come a query or for some information, and along with time to think and time to simply accept that what comes up is pray get relegated to the back burner of anywhere near accurate and reliable. And think too of daily life, and the Lord who promised determining my rules of his Spirit to lead us into all truth is on how often in the history of our island, God’s name has been invoked to support margins of influence and thinking faith and practice. I really the one (or both) sides of conflict – as for and decision making. must aim for Scripture example in the final paragraph of the We can’t avoid these daily influences. 1916 Easter Proclamation and the slogan They are like the weather – always there alone. ‘For God and Ulster’. whether we like it or not. In my own Set those articles I read alongside daily battles to think and act biblically, a friend telling me during the summer that most of his I have come to understand that I need to cultivate much Christian friends rarely if ever read the Bible or pray greater awareness of who and what influences me, and to be intelligently. This builds a picture of a society where ever conscious of Jesus’ teaching that much of Satan’s power anything goes, and where all of us – Christians included – and influence comes from his being the father of lies ( John are vulnerable to ideology, loud voices and slippery public 8). relations spin. What my phone or politicians tell me must never ever Yet, as Presbyterians, we claim to have a very different come anywhere near determining my rules of faith and influence on us – one that is meant to determine, guide and practice. I really must aim for Scripture alone. even control our thinking and actions. We claim the Bible to be the “only infallible rule of faith and practice, and the supreme standard of the Church.” The early church took this rule to heart. For example, we read in Acts 17 that the believers in Berea actually “examined the Scriptures” to check that even what the Apostle Paul said was indeed true. We need to be honest before God and with ourselves. How many of us seek to “examine the Scriptures” to try to align our political views with our best understanding of Bible guidance? Or how to deal with poor relationships; Norman Hamilton or what the priorities should be on spending our money; or what actions we should take in the light of the tsunami Very Rev Dr Norman Hamilton is a former of poverty that afflicts thousands around us; or our level of Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in commitment to and involvement in the life of our church; Ireland.
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NOVEMBER 2024
Mission Connect
Building on opportunities
The Lord has done great things for us Diane Cusick
Mission news from workers around Ireland and the world.
Faith in the workplace Derek and Jane French A changing world Rev William Montgomery Building on opportunities Jason Sime Celebrating Heather McCracken
Every aspect of our Church’s mission depends to some extent on United Appeal. Hundreds of projects and programmes at home and overseas are helping to advance God’s kingdom, showing God’s love in action to hundreds of thousands of people.
Good news about Willow Brook Francis Mooney
Including November prayer diary
The Lord has done great things for us
Diane Cusick
Global mission worker, Zambia
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had a week of teacher training in August, where I had some After the celebrations in Malawi, I flew to Livingstone in new teachers. Teachers came from Livingstone, Mazabuka, Southern Zambia for our CCAP synod meeting where we Chipata and Lundazi. It was a fun and practical workshop, elected new synod office bearers. Rev Lazarus Chilenje is and hopefully the teachers are busy implementing what they the General Secretary, Rev Lloyd Mithi, the Deputy General have learnt. Secretary and Rev Friday We are currently building Kapakasa is the incoming With over 50% of 9.7 million children in a new Early Childhood Moderator. I look forward to Centre in Kabushi, Ndola. Zambia currently having no access to sanitation, working with this new team. It is a team effort and the August proved to be a very this is a milestone for…our Church. building has now reached busy month. Due to the delay roofing level, so we are in the deputation plans for trying to find funds to finish the building. It is a presbytery-led last year, and the new schedule of deputation this autumn, project and is very exciting to see the enthusiasm for early I needed to fly home within 24 hours of my return from the childhood in this region. I hope and pray that we will be able synod meetings. I am currently enjoying visiting congregations to finish the building and see many young children coming to and PWs and other groups within our Church, sharing a little of the centre. Toilets at Mazabuka are now complete and toilets the work that CCAP is doing in Zambia. at Chililabombwe are almost complete too. With over 50% of Please pray: 9.7 million children in Zambia currently having no access to sanitation, this is a milestone for our Early Childhood Centres • For the country of Zambia as it is in the midst of a severe and for our Church. drought. Since the power supply is hydropower, there is very Psalm 126:3 (“The Lord has done great things for us”) was the limited electricity in homes, around two hours per day and in theme of the 100 years celebrations of the Church of Central some cases less. Please pray for rain. Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) held in Lilongwe, Malawi, at the • For the new General Secretary, Rev Lazarus Chilenje, as he end of August. I was privileged to be part of the Zambia Synod learns about the role, that he will listen to God’s direction for delegation as we joined in the celebrations. There are five Zambia Synod. synods in the CCAP General Assembly: Livingstonia, Blantyre • That funds can be found to finish the Early Childhood and Nkhoma in Malawi, Harare in Zimbabwe and Zambia building in Kabushi. Synod. I had a stand at the celebrations to showcase some of • For Diane as she speaks to various congregations and the activities made from locally available materials (rubbish), groups about her work in Zambia. that we make in Early Childhood Development in Zambia. It • That Diane gets some rest and relaxation before returning to was great to see the First Lady of Malawi being interested in work in Zambia. what I was showing!
Mission Connect | Herald November 2024
Faith in the workplace
Derek and Jane French Global mission workers, Spain
Jaume Llenas is the national coordinator for GBG in Spain (Graduate Bible Groups). The focus of this ministry is with graduates and working professionals. Here is what he says about this vital work:
(doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, scientists, psychologists and those in the business world) seek to do. We are also working on establishing two new groups (academics and social work). There are conferences for each professional group, training in apologetics and specific historical/research trips, for example, a he workplace is a strategic place for mission in most trip to help with understanding the impact of the Reformation. societies of the world. It is where relationships between 3. Supporting local churches: The local church is key in Christians and sceptics naturally occur. If we are able training those serving God in the workplace. Our role is to to help Christians in the support the churches and to workplace understand that provide them with resources. …our calling is to let the gospel penetrate the this is the mission field where We are working together the Lord has sent them, and with theological colleges workplace as it did in the past… if the church equips them and Bible schools to train for the proclamation and future pastors and teachers demonstration of the gospel, many people will be drawn closer in the topic of ‘Faith and work’. We also produce small-group to Jesus. Jesus’ commission is to be and make disciples in the resources, websites and books for churches. Alongside these world and this includes the workplace. resources, we have created a group called ‘Faith and Work’. The three main areas of ministry are: This group consists of leaders who help churches that want to 1. Transition times: There are two big moments in which give specific training on how to carry out God’s mission in the people experience great uncertainty – the first is when we workplace. go from being students to working full time and the second As a Christian in a secular society, our calling is to let the is when we retire. If these transitions go well, we can have gospel penetrate the workplace as it did in the past, instead long and fruitful years of ministry in our place of mission. Due of the prevailing influence of today’s secular society. We are to these important transitions in life, we have created two convinced that Jesus is Lord in all spheres of life. programmes, one called ‘Transit’ for those who are in the first three years after university and another, ‘Restart’ for those approaching and in their retirement years. We have meetings, Please pray: resources, local groups, volunteers, etc. to help them make these years fruitful. • For Derek and Jane and their work with students. Give 2. Professional groups and training: Each profession has its thanks for the students as they seek to serve God and be a own challenges to faith and unique opportunities for mission. witness for him. People working in the same field can help each other respond • For Juame Llenas and his work with GBG. Pray that people in from a Christian perspective to the different challenges that the workplace come to faith in Christ. arise. This is what the seven existing professional groups
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Mission Connect | Herald November 2024
A changing world
Rev William Montgomery
Fermoy and Cahir Presbyterian Churches
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s Ireland and its politicians struggle with conflicting Only eternity will fully reveal the impact of these events, and views regarding immigration, we the church in Fermoy how God used us in these efforts to advance his kingdom. We and Cahir see “fields that are white unto harvest”. What sow, but it is the Lord who gives the increase. amazing opportunities we have in these days, right on our On a very practical note, our facilities in Fermoy are far from doorstep, to reach people with the gospel. People whose ideal for the challenges, needs and opportunities this changing countries we might never visit, nor be in their towns, villages, world presents. We see this as an opportunity to be creative or communities. and think in new ways. If you Over the summer at our interested, we would be What amazing opportunities we have in these are kids’ Bible club week, we delighted to share the vision had children and youth days, right on our doorstep, to reach people with of how God might be leading from many parts of the us forward in this area. the gospel. world, representing many As two small churches we different religious and cultural have much to be thankful backgrounds. They sang songs about Jesus’ love and listened for. We have solid committed leaders who sacrificially give of to the good news, and we trust that they saw the love of Jesus their time and use their God-given talents. It is our privilege in the lives of our leaders and the Exodus team through the to work and minister here. We also give thanks to the staff of many activities. CMI for their ongoing help and support. Lastly, a sincere thanks As you read this article, we will be well into our Christianity to those of you who faithfully remember us in your prayers Explored courses; one in Fermoy and another in Cahir. In (Matthew 6:6). Fermoy we have invited the Church of Ireland to join us. Rev Please pray: Clodagh Yambasu is enthusiastic and pleased to be a part of it and delighted that we will use their hall and facilities as the • Give thanks to God who allows us to labour in this part of his venue. harvest field. Cahir congregation has decided to use a house in the largest • That hearts would be drawn to Jesus as we reach out with residential area in the town for its venue. We are grateful to the the good news. Council for Mission in Ireland (CMI) for making the bungalow, • That we would awaken to what God is doing and that we a former Irish Mission house, available to us to develop the would be faithful in playing our part. ministry in Cahir.
Mission Connect | Herald November 2024
Building on opportunities
Jason Sime
Community mission worker, Alexandra Presbyterian Church, Belfast
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have been the community mission worker at Alexandra Before I began at Alexandra, the church was already actively Presbyterian for around three years now. My role has two serving the community in many different ways. I have sought main purposes: trying to make what we do more outreach to build on that good work. This summer we hosted the focused; and finding ways to serve our community and show ‘School Uniform Project’ for the third time, in partnership them Jesus’ love. with ROC (Redeeming In my role I am able Communities). By It was a great way to…invite people to church Our to be a leader in several September, 180 people had organisations and to visit and received something from or our organisations and to pray with people offer support to others. This the project, ranging from on their doorstep. helps me to better link up branded school items to the work we are doing across shirts, skirts and trousers several different ministries. By strengthening these links, we etc. The project also provides a great opportunity for people have been able to introduce, and continue with, Messy Church to serve and helps build on good relations with schools, and ‘all-together’ services. neighbouring churches and mission partners. We aim to run Messy Church two to three times per year. This summer and last, we took the opportunity to knock on It is a good way to reach families and we have seen a great some doors in our parish. It was a great way to meet people, response from families that already engage with us through introduce ourselves and what we offer as a church, invite our Boys’ Brigade, good news club and toddler groups. In people to church or our organisations and to pray with people Messy Church the children get to make amazing crafts based on their doorstep. We trust that the Lord led us to those he around our Bible theme, while the parents get time to chat wanted us to meet. There are still opportunities to build on our to others, including people from church. Afterwards, we take work in Alexandra Presbyterian and I am excited to see where the opportunity to bring everyone together in the church God leads us over the next few years. sanctuary for a Bible talk, prayer and praise before sharing a Please pray: meal together. ‘All-together’ services provide another way to invite families • For our work in supporting local schools, that it can lead to on the fringes of church life along. Children stay in for the children and their families coming to know Jesus. whole service rather than leave for kids’ church and we split the • That the Lord can guide us in ways to serve our community main talk into two or three parts with an illustration included and lead people closer to him. That we can constantly seek for each section. It is essentially a standard service restructured God’s guidance rather than rely on our own ideas. to help families feel more comfortable having their children in • Give thanks for the chance to meet new people in our church with them and provides an easy excuse for people to community and that we can help lead them to the Lord. invite someone new for the first time.
Mission Connect | Herald November 2024
Celebrating
Daniel
Margaret
Maci
Heather McCracken
Deaconess and assistant to the chaplain, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Musgrave Park Hospital
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love a good celebration, and our chaplains in the Royal make these occasions as special as possible. I visit the Royal Hospital will agree that we like any excuse to enjoy cake. I Belfast Hospital for Sick Children on Thursdays. Last week recently celebrated being commissioned as a deaconess 40 Maci celebrated her 14th birthday. You can see her smile – years ago, on 2 August 1984. I then worked in a congregational chaplaincy helped her celebrate. setting, and did so until April 2016. I remember so clearly On Tuesday mornings, my colleague Marie Kennedy and I visit the warm welcome I received at Greystone Road in Antrim, every bed in the neonatal unit and the maternity ward. In the working with Rev Donald neonatal unit, we celebrate Patton. As I look back, I can many firsts. I remember the I see people encounter the infinite love visualise their smiling faces, first time we celebrated a little and my key learning was of one who was 90 days old and and mercy of God… the value of every person. still not at his due date to be I was then placed in born. Life is so very precious. Alexandra Presbyterian Church, Belfast, working with Rev It is lovely to hear mums singing to their babies, waiting for Clifford Wright and then Rev Samuel Newell. My key learning cuddles; hungry for prayer. was of taking time to respond to God’s Word. Each Friday I am joined by two colleagues – Evelyn Cavan and I then had the opportunity to work with Rev Paul Erskine Rev Lesley-Ann Wilson – to work in Musgrave Park Hospital. and Rev Henry Wilson on an as-needed basis in Musgrave You will see a lovely photograph of Margaret, who has been Park Hospital and Royal Victoria Hospital. The importance of in hospital eight weeks and counting. She also celebrated a this complex listening ministry was set in my heart, and in birthday, and she carries a joy and patience in her heart and 2016 I was appointed an assistant to Rev Norman Harrison face, as she knows the prayers of her family and church family in Belfast Trust Hospitals. I see people encounter the infinite around her each day. love and mercy of God – his presence, peace and joy changing Please pray: situations and lifting people’s moods and attitudes. As chaplains, we are privileged to see a number of people find • For our hospitals in the Belfast Trust as Encompass, the new faith and hope in God, renew their faith and return to worship digital system, is implemented. within God’s family. • For all who are in hospital. May they know God is near and in Recently I have had the privilege of celebrating with every detail of the day and night. patients. Daniel was able to have a party for his seventh • Thank God for all who work in our hospitals and clinics, birthday. He was so ill when he was born that his baptism was helping people who are ill and needing specialist care. very hurried. Over the years, I have met his lovely family many • Give thanks that chaplains are an integral part of the times, and they asked me to lead a thanksgiving service during healthcare team. Pray for guidance and strength for all his party. chaplains as they are on duty each day, and serve, not only Many people celebrate their birthdays or other anniversaries with words, but also in their presence and actions. while in hospital, and the staff are always very thoughtful to
Mission Connect | Herald November 2024
Good news about Willow Brook
Francis Mooney
Manager, Willow Brook
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illow Brook was the answer to the Presbyterian’s in every aspect, even retirement. While we reflect, we realise conscious need to find ways of ministering to the that for Philip, as an individual who has lived and worked with spiritual needs of people with learning disabilities in his level of disabilities, 25 years of employment is an incredible the Coleraine area, as far back as 2002. The primary principle good news story and one which deserves to be celebrated. of Willow Brook has always been to maximise and encourage What is the future going to look like for Willow Brook? The independent living within a future for Willow Brook is Christian environment, while …for Philip, as an individual who has lived and love! Everything we seek to emphasising an individual’s do, must be motivated by right to privacy and dignity. worked with his level of disabilities, 25 years of love. The way we interact The project provides with tenants and colleagues employment is an incredible good news story… must have an aroma of accommodation for nine tenants. Three reside in single love. The way the project is bungalow units, each with a living room, kitchen, bedroom managed, the way we, as a team, serve the tenants who live in and bathroom. The other six tenants are housed in two larger Willow Brook, must evidence love. The way we help a longbuildings, each comprising three flatlets with en suite facilities, term tenant learn to adapt to retirement after 25 years must be closet kitchens, and a large communal lounge and kitchen. to show signs of love. This is our good news story. When Willow Brook opened its doors and brought in tenants in spring 2002, nearly 23 years ago, the selection process for each tenant was made very carefully. Five of the initial six Please pray: tenants still hold a tenancy in Willow Brook currently and have enjoyed living here in this special place. • For Philip, as he retires from his job. Pray that he will be One of the initial tenants is the son of a Presbyterian minister, blessed and supported as he continues to live in Willow Rev Jim Waring, who shared the vision for Willow Brook and Brook. worked tirelessly to bring it to reality and completion. His • For Francis and the staff at Willow Brook as they support the son, Philip, is a remarkable man also, who has enjoyed his residents to live independently. Pray that everything they do time in Willow Brook but has enjoyed an even longer time would be done in love. working as an employee in McDonald’s in Coleraine. Why is • For all those with learning disabilities in our society. Pray that this significant? Philip has just retired from McDonald’s after 25 they would receive all the help and care they require to live years! with dignity, and that their families would be supported as So, Willow Brook and the staff team here, enter a new phase they sacrificially care for their loved ones. of our history which includes seeking to support our tenants
Mission Connect | Herald November 2024
NOVEMBER 2024
Please pray... n CHAPLAINS – For Rev Kenny Hanna, PCI’s rural chaplain and the wider rural chaplaincy team; that those they talk to will be impacted with the good news of Jesus.
n FAMILIES – For families caring for children or adults with a learning disability with all the demands and challenges this brings. Give thanks for special schools, adult centres, training units and supported employment schemes. Pray for everyone involved in the provision of these kinds of services.
n GLOBAL MISSION – For Naomi Leremore in her work with PCEA’s Theological Education by Extension programme, especially as she balances her academic studies with work responsibilities.
n CHAPLAINS – Give thanks for the work of all PCI’s prison chaplains who work across various sites. Pray also for volunteers, including some ministry students, who have been getting involved.
n GLOBAL MISSION – Give thanks for Stephen and Angelina Cowan’s home assignment and for this time of refreshing and encouragement. n GLOBAL MISSION Pray for the Lord’s – Remember sustaining grace and Diane Cusick as guidance for the SAA she engages in her programme team as home assignment, Stephen and Angelina Cowan they take forward the that she would be work in Tuum, northern Kenya. strengthened and encouraged by her visits to PCI congregations to share the story of n RESIDENTIAL CARE – For Lawnfield God’s work in Zambia. House in Newcastle, a residential care home for those with a physical disability/mild n RESIDENTIAL CARE – For Peacehaven learning disability, sensory impairment or Trust which has three residential properties older people. Pray that staff and service for adults with a learning disability in users in the home will know God’s presence. Greystones, Co Wicklow. Pray for manager Remember family carers who will benefit Michael Williams, along with the staff and from some respite. residents. n COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Give thanks and pray for those new community outreach workers appointed over the past few months, thinking especially of Gavin Doyle as he settles into his role in Trinity Cork. Pray that he would know God’s leading and guiding in his work there. n URBAN MISSION – Give thanks for the Urban Mission Network and its recent meeting that reflected on the impact of fatherlessness within families and considered ways the Church could appropriately respond. n NEPAL – For the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) as it engages in a process of selecting and appointing new board members, especially seeking those with skills in finance, fundraising, organisational change and human resource management. n DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND TRAFFICKING – For those living in Northern Ireland who have been trafficked to work in forced labour, domestic servitude and the sex trade; that they would be rescued and helped. Pray too for those in our communities who have left violent homes and need protection and care. n SPECIAL MINISTRY IN WEST BELFAST – For the monthly services of worship now taking place in Cultúrlann; pray that people will be welcomed, God will be worshipped, his Word taught and the lives of many transformed by God’s Spirit.
n DEACONESS – That Louise Davidson will continue to be a support and encouragement to the team in Friendship House, and to all who come through the doors, radiating the love, joy and compassion of Jesus. n WORLD DEVELOPMENT – Give thanks for the launch of the 2024 World Development Appeal, ‘Hunger Pains – from scarcity to abundance’ that took place in October. Pray that this year’s appeal would be well supported and result in improved food security for communities in greatest need. n INTERNATIONAL MEETING POINT – Praise God that many returned to the centre after the summer and new people are arriving daily. Pray for a new believer as she takes her first tentative steps in the faith. Pray that God will bring relief in a difficult situation she is facing.
n CHAPLAINS – For Lindsay Ballentine, assistant lay chaplain at Queen’s University, particularly as she helps in developing the community of students in Derryvolgie and takes a lead in discipling female students. n HOME MISSION – Give thanks for Rev David Curran, recently installed into the new work in Wexford. Pray that this group of believers would know God’s blessing and the leading of his Spirit, that they would be faithful in serving him, his people and all the people of Wexford town. n SOUTH BELFAST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE – For the team at Friendship House, particularly as they work out a new weekly programme that includes activities for older children and young people. n GLOBAL MISSION – Give thanks for the ongoing outreach that Csaba and Ilona Veres have been engaged in amongst the Roma community in Bodaszőlő, Hungary. Pray that they would see much fruit for their labour, especially that children and young people would commit their lives to Jesus Christ. n SUPPORTED HOUSING – For Gray’s Court in north Belfast, which complements the work of Carlisle House by providing longerterm supported housing for those in the early stages of recovery. Pray that the Holy Spirit will sustain residents in a life free of substance misuse. n INDIA – Give thanks for the substantial renovation and repair work to the infrastructure of the Gujarat United School of Theology (GUST) in recent months. Pray that new students admitted earlier this autumn would have settled in well and be growing through their studies. n CHURCH PLANTING – For the Church Planting Taster Day to be held this month in Maynooth. Thank God also for the new church building there and the presence of God’s people in that area. n DEACONESS – For Rachel Cubitt in her work in Whiteabbey. Give thanks for Girls’ Association, ladies’ group and mums and tots. Pray for good relationships and that leaders and group members would grow in Jesus.
Rachel Cubitt
n KENYA – Pray for God’s comforting presence for the grieving families of the 21 pupils who died in a dormitory fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County in September. Remember the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Kenyan government as they seek to prevent any reoccurrence of this tragedy.
n CHILDREN – Almost 2,000 children in Northern Ireland were identified as needing protection from abuse this year. Pray for these vulnerable children, and for ministers, designated persons and others within congregations who are dealing with difficult child protection issues.
www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer
www.futurebelfast.com
Retrieving
beauty
Nigel Craig contends for the importance of a theology of beauty.
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icolae Ceausescu’s Communist regime in Romania came to a dramatic end on Christmas Day 1989. Some nine years later I moved to Oradea. The built environment at that time was ugly, grey, and dilapidated – the fruit of decades of atheistic rule. Today the unsightly high-rise blocks remain. However, the historic pre-Communist centre has been transformed, with many of the Baroque, Classical, and Art Nouveau buildings, including many churches, gloriously restored. One word befits the renewed heart of the old city: ‘beauty’.
Lament The increased uglification of our Western towns and cities may indicate a similar flight from beauty – the symptom of a deeper spiritual malaise within our society. As Presbyterians, we
I believe that we are heirs of a fine artistic legacy, and that our beautiful historic buildings still have an important role in mission.
are not immune. I sense that we, as a denomination, have started to lose, and need to retrieve, a ‘theology of beauty’, particularly in relation to church buildings. I have no hesitation in employing the word ‘church’, as ‘church’ and ‘kirk’ are both derived from the Greek kyrikon dōma, ‘the Lord’s house’. It is a cause for lament that in the past 50 years many of our architectural gems, some occupying prominent places in our towns and cities, have been sold and repurposed to serve as restaurants, furniture stores, dance studios, art and cultural centres, entertainment venues, and Herald November 2024
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even mosques. Having served in congregations in both jurisdictions, in rural and sub-urban settings, I am well aware of the challenges of maintaining old buildings, the decline in membership and finances, changing demographics, and the need for good stewardship of resources. Admittedly, some churches are far from inspiring. Nevertheless, I believe that we are heirs of a fine artistic legacy, and that our beautiful historic buildings still have an important role in mission. Ultimately, we confess: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1).
Legacy Our ancestors, often curtailed by poverty and penal laws, built modest meeting houses, yet these exhibited dignified simplicity, were finished according to the best of vernacular artisanship, and meticulously maintained over the years. The 19th century witnessed the triumph of confessional orthodoxy, the 1859 Revival, and the most significant aesthetic flowering within the history of Irish Presbyterianism. Consequently, we are custodians of a rich architectural heritage, with neoClassical and neo-Gothic buildings designed by renowned Victorian Union College circa 1860–1883. Wikicommons.
Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian Church. www.cullybackeyhistory.co.uk
architects. Consider the work of Charles Lanyon (1813–1889), who designed Assembly’s (now Union) College and Queen’s College (now University), or the work of W.J. Barre (1830–1867) who designed First Portadown and Belmont. And let us not forget the architectural genius of Robert Young (1822–1917) – a pupil of Lanyon’s – and John
I fear if we see beauty as irrelevant, we will become increasingly irrelevant to a generation craving for rooted beauty.
Mackenzie (1844–1917), whose practice, established in the early 1850s, quickly became pivotal to the transformation of Ulster’s built environment, and synonymous with Irish Presbyterianism. Young and Mackenzie designed Assembly Buildings, and many of our churches, including First Armagh, Carlisle Road Londonderry, Fitzroy, and Cuningham Memorial. Such buildings exhibited the classical Vitruvian (90–20BC) principles of firmitas (durability), utilitas (utility), and venustas (beauty/ delight). Thankfully, many of our attractive historic churches have been preserved, a number sensitively modernised, others host re-plants (Carnmoney Central at May Street), and some have been bought by other denominations and continue as places of Christian worship (e.g. Crescent and Megain Memorial).
A Reformed theology of beauty? Historically, Christians employing classical philosophical categories have declared that God is truth, goodness, and beauty; likewise, our Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel. God’s beauty, his glory, is reflected in ‘secondary forms’, both within the created order (Psalm 19; Romans 1:20), and in many aspects of human culture – albeit fallen – including music, literature, art, and architecture (Psalm 48; 150). While The Westminster Confession (1646) states that no part of religious 32
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May Street Presbyterian Church. Belfast Local History Magazine
worship now under the gospel is “either tied to, or made more acceptable by, any place in which it is performed”, The Directory for Public Worship (1645) recommended: “It is requisite, that the places of public assembling for worship among us should be continued and employed to that use.” Zurich Reformer, Heinrich Bullinger (1504– 1575), earlier contended that places of worship should be “in all respects fit for God’s church…large and fair…not profane, but holy”. Notwithstanding, Bullinger advocated modesty in building homes and churches, and warned against “sumptuous expense and gorgeous excess”. First Portadown Presbyterian Church. northernbuilder.co.uk
Carnmoney Central now located at May Street. www.centralbelfast.org
Mission In these challenging days do we have the luxury of courting beauty? Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905–1988) lamented that beauty was “no longer loved or fostered by religion”, being viewed as an “ornament of a bourgeois past”; he concluded that such religion was denuded, expressionless, sterile, having lost its cogency, and captivating no one. Consequently, he argued, “beauty demands for itself at least as much courage and decision as do truth and goodness”. In recent decades some of the brightest thinkers within U.S. evangelicalism have converted to Roman Catholicism or Eastern
Orthodoxy, in part due to a deep ache for the via pulchritudinous, ‘the way of beauty’, something they find lacking in much of the contemporary evangelical church, whether in architecture, music, or liturgy. Carl Trueman observes that this phenomenon “should challenge us to be better Protestants”. Historically Irish Presbyterianism has met this yearning for beauty in its own unpretentious, yet attractive, manner. Gavin Ortlund contends that beauty “has fresh relevance in our current cultural moment”; beauty may awaken the emotions, convey a sense of transcendence to the disenchanted, arrest the distracted, and “strike a more winsome, invitational tone” in an age of polarisation. Many young people are hungry for age-old beauty in a society increasingly characterised by uglification, utilitarianism, pragmatism, banality, anti-historicism, ever-changing technology, and the ephemeral. I fear if we see beauty as irrelevant, we will become increasingly irrelevant to a generation craving for rooted beauty. As Presbyterians we have rightly cherished truth and goodness. Do we have the courage, decision, generosity, and creativity to treasure the beauty that we have inherited, desiring that many would say of Christ: “Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful…the beams of our house are cedar, our rafters are pine” (Song of Songs 1:16–17)? Herald November 2024
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Worship: so much more than just going to church
David Thompson talks to Karen Campbell about what it means to be present to God as his people in worship and how congregations can facilitate that in how they shape their services.
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ne aspect of the denomination-wide ‘Present’ initiative, launched at this year’s General Assembly, is the call to be present to God as his people. That involves giving attention to God. It happens as we read his Word and speak to him through prayer, but also through giving ourselves heart, soul, mind and strength to times of worship together with others in our congregation. That kind of being present to God in worship is so much more than what we often refer to as ‘going to church’. Rev Karen Campbell is someone who has thought deeply about worship and contributed a lot to our denomination in this area in a variety of ways over the years. She has recently returned from a season ministering in Church of the Servant, a Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is now working with the Irish Council of Churches. While worship is always primarily for God and his glory, any natural expression of it arises not just from the rhythms and practices we find in Scripture and our tradition, but who we are as a worshipping congregation today. Karen expresses a strong sense
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of that rootedness in context. She first encountered its power while serving overseas with the church in Kenya. She recalls: “There was a very stiff formal liturgy in which there didn’t seem to be much life until they began to sing in either Kiswahili or one of their local languages. That’s when life came back. That really started me on a journey of asking – how can we peel back the layers of our liturgy to really engage the heart and allow people to embody their grateful response to God?” In Grand Rapids, Karen encountered a very different congregation. “It was one that ministered to refugees and asylum seekers. There were easily 20 different languages and cultures
…the call to be present to God as his people. That involves giving attention to God.
represented on a Sunday. So it was mind-blowing to think – how can we reach everyone at the same time? We learned very quickly the importance of helping those who didn’t have English as their first language to have other cues to help them understand worship.” This involved tapping into the common historical roots of worship around the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, along with the seasons of the church year such as Advent and Lent. Because of language barriers, the congregation also worked harder at visual cues that guided participants through the different parts of the service – the call to worship, prayers, Scripture reading, ministry of the Word and response. It is interesting to reflect on what we in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland have to learn from all of this. Perhaps we should expect that there will be many things that follow a similar framework in every congregation’s worship because they are rooted in, and reflect who we are as Reformed Christians. Nevertheless, we should equally expect that those same things may look, feel and sound very different in their expression from church to church.
Worship in Kenya
Karen describes the need for congregations and those who shape and facilitate worship, to identify a centre point for their congregation’s worship and to work from it. She says, “You need a body of music and a body of liturgy that people return to often, knowing that these are ways of worshipping and words that are familiar, such as the Lord’s Prayer or the Apostles’ Creed. Over time the congregation and its worshippers come to imbibe and embody them. From that safe space, comes a freedom to try new things and stretch the boundaries, like singing songs in a different style or language, or adopting more movement into a service, or creating moments of silence.” When congregations get this right there is a sense that the texture of worship fits the look and feel of the worshippers, not in a consumeristic way, but in form and expression which facilitates them to be present to God. Considering how congregations can practically be more present to God, Karen identifies that our posture towards worship is key. Worship is a means of gladly receiving his grace, not something that we need to work up for him. For some congregations, this might mean a break with longstanding tradition. She reflects: “To have the announcements, which are all about activities, right at the start of the service is not always the best place to be starting. We should be beginning from a place of contemplation. What might it mean to clear a space right at the start of worship where we are paying attention, having our eyes
Rev Karen Campbell, worshipping at the Church of the Servant, Michigan, USA
Worship is a means of gladly receiving his grace… opened and our senses engaged by what we are here to do, so that we approach worship with a readiness to encounter God?” Another practice that Karen has seen benefit from is extending the reach of the sermon both prior to worship and afterwards. “In the Church of the Servant an email went out on Monday morning highlighting the Bible text for the following Sunday. Along with that were some questions to ponder and practices to consider that arose from the passage and a verse to memorise. All of that helped prepare people to come ready to connect to what would be happening on a Sunday.” Following the sermon we might also usefully consider how to be more creative about slowing down that final part of the service to give space to enable response to the Word. She suggests the possibility of introducing a period of silent response and the importance of prayers of intercession which pick up the theme of the service in ways which connect with what is going on in the world and our lives. Rather than coming to worship to escape from all that is going on in the rest of our lives, or from the news which is often so grim at the moment, Karen is passionate about the church’s worship overflowing into its witness. This is unsurprising given the focus of her present role with the Irish Council of Churches which involves encouraging the church to find its voice
and role in countering racism, engaging in peace building and bringing Christ’s healing to a fragmented and hurting society. “As a people we place such an important emphasis on worship, which is founded on a rich and wonderful theology. For many good reasons, church in our context, prizes a kind of pietistic worship where prayer and worship are afforded high value, but it’s often a very vertical value as opposed to a horizontal value. The shadow side of that is that our worship can seem isolated from the rest of the week. We worship a God who has been wounded on our behalf and in his own being became vulnerable for us in Christ. That’s an awesome theological idea. But it allows us to be vulnerable too. “It’s about coming and going from worship without pretending and sweeping things under the carpet. We need in our vulnerability to be able to bring those realities before God in worship, lament them, respond to them, go away changed ourselves and determined to bring God’s change to the world.” As our conversation draws to a close, so many words about what it means to be really present to God in worship run one after the other – expectancy, anticipation, vulnerability, attentiveness, gratitude, humility, surrender. It’s all so much more than just going to church again this Sunday. Let’s be present to God as his people in worship! Rev David Thompson is PCI’s Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness. Herald November 2024
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Anniversary memories Alf McCreary reflects on his 60 years as an author and journalist.
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hen I left Queen’s University in 1964, with my shiny new honours degree in Modern History and my diploma in Education, I felt privileged to be invited to join the Belfast Telegraph as a graduate trainee. However, I had no idea that during the next 60 years I would be writing continually about one of the most important, complex and dangerous decades in our troubled history. In 1964, the Ulster Unionist leader, Captain Terence O’Neill, was building bridges with the Catholic and Nationalist community, and he had the full backing of the Belfast Telegraph and its remarkable editor, Dr Jack Sayers, who appointed me. He was a war hero, and a former member of Churchill’s map room in the life-or-death struggle against Hitler. Jack Sayers was also a staunch member of the Methodist Church. His policy appealed to me greatly because I had learned so much from Rev Dr Ray Davey, when he was the Presbyterian chaplain at Queen’s, and
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later as the founder and eventually leader of the Corrymeela Community. Ray was a much-loved mentor of mine, and he was also one of the most distinguished members of the Presbyterian Church of his or any other generation. I was certain that the bridge-building philosophy would gradually bring lasting peace and prosperity. How wrong I was. Within a few years, Captain O’Neill was forced to resign by the hardliners in his Party, and the last big opportunity for progress had gone. It was all downhill from then on, as Rev Ian Paisley blocked every political initiative to promote peace, until he was in power himself. He
…the need for good reporting and for journalists with passion, compassion and integrity is more important than ever…
was particularly hostile towards the Presbyterian Church, and he and his followers behaved disgracefully when they marched to Church House at the opening night of the General Assembly in 1966 and hurled abuse at the members and distinguished guests whom they vilified as “Popeheads and Romanists”, including the then Northern Ireland Governor, Lord Erskine, and also Lady Erskine, who was deeply disturbed by what had happened. In the opinion of many, the greatlygifted but deeply-flawed Paisley was one of the people most responsible for the Troubles, though ironically, he was probably the only figure who could drag the hardline Democratic Unionists and others into power sharing with Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness at Stormont. In those difficult times for journalists, we were frequently accused of being biased. I always replied: “You tell me your truth, and I will tell you mine.” I was reminded of this when I was writing my new book, Keeping the
Faith, in which I refer to three of the most important words in the New Testament – namely Pilate’s question to Christ: “What is truth?” This remains one of the most crucial questions facing all of us, when we witness the antics of people like Trump and Putin, and some public faces nearer home. The rapid development of artificial intelligence is a great boon, but also an immense threat in our search for the truth. Though journalism was challenging for me and my colleagues, it is just as difficult today, given the decline of print journalism and the huge task for broadcasters to try to meet their demanding 24/7 news deadlines. As readers, listeners and viewers, we also have to try to make sense of so many different news reports, and with so little time to consider information in depth. I recall particularly the comment from a former Moderator who once told me: “People no longer base their views on facts or logic, but on their emotions.” How right he was. In retrospect, I was fortunate to work in the media during the best of the last decades of print journalism. I was also grateful to have great editors, such as the late Roy Lilley, who recognised the need to remind readers of the good news as well as the bad. My outstanding memories of the big stories I covered include the visit of President Ronald Reagan to Ireland, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in St Paul’s, the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland, his funeral in Rome many years later, the visit of Pope Francis to Dublin, the Birmingham bombs and to a lesser extent Ian Paisley’s final appearance in the Martyrs Memorial Church – the first time I had ever set foot in there, to witness his departure. Sadly, I had to report also on the violence and tragedies which caused so much suffering back home, including Bloody Sunday and Bloody Friday, the murder of Marie Wilson and 10 others by a no-warning Provisional IRA bomb at the Enniskillen Cenotaph on 8 November 1987, and the sectarian Kingsmills Massacre in 1976 when 11 workmen on their way home were ambushed and shot by Republican
Alf with his wife Hilary
gunmen simply because they were Protestants. I remember being almost in tears when writing my book about the fine Christian example of Marie’s parents, Gordon and Joan Wilson, and the dignity and courage of Alan Black
Some of my most fulfilling assignments were for Christian Aid and Tearfund…
from Bessbrook, the lone Protestant survivor of the Kingsmills Massacre. To my great satisfaction, the range of my reporting over many years was extremely wide, and I was pleased to receive a number of UK and local press awards for my work, as well as an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II herself in Buckingham Palace. It made me realise that the small boy from the south Armagh village of Bessbrook had gone much further than he had ever dared to hope. Some of my most fulfilling assignments were for Christian Aid and Tearfund who sent me to report on their projects all around the developing world, and gave me experiences which inspired and humbled me greatly. I also have good memories of being a long-time member of the dedicated PCI World Development committee, and of the huge amounts of money which Presbyterians from all across the Church donated generously to good causes overseas. I remember keenly my reports for Tearfund from Rwanda which led to a Moderatorial visit, and also to significant financial help to projects there from PCI members, much of which I mention in my book. Times change, but the need for good reporting and for journalists with passion, compassion and integrity is more important than ever in the endless search for truth. I have warm memories of the goodness of many Northern Ireland people on all sides, despite the horrors which I witnessed during the Troubles, and yet I am sad that we still have not found a way to live in lasting peace with mutual respect and goodwill. When will the penny drop? One of my favourite quotes is from H.L. Mencken, the American editor, who once told an aspiring reporter: “Young man, journalism will kill you in the end but it will keep you alive while you’re at it.” Sixty years on, I am still writing and learning, and all being well, I hope to continue reporting for as long as I can… So here’s to my next report! Alf McCreary’s latest book, Keeping the Faith, is published by Messenger at £12.95 and is available in local bookshops and from Amazon. Herald November 2024
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A knock
at the door Rob Parsons, founder of Care for the Family, tells the incredible story of how a knock at the door changed his family’s lives forever.
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n a dark Christmas night in 1975, my wife and I heard a knock on our door. We had been married just over four years. When I opened it, a man stood in the gloom. He was homeless. We invited him in, cooked him a meal, and offered that he stay the night. He never left. He lived with us for over 45 years, until his death aged 75. When Ronnie had been with us for a short while, he got a job as a dustman. I was then a lawyer and to make sure he got to work on time I used to drop him off at the dust yard on my way to the legal practice. One evening I came in from work and said to him, “You’ve got a big smile on your face. What’s amused you so much?” He laughed out
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loud and said, “When you drop me off in the mornings, the other men say to me, ‘Who’s that who brings you to work in the car?’ and I say, ‘Oh – that’s my solicitor.’” I don’t think it was just that Ronnie was proud of being taken to work by a lawyer. Perhaps he had never had a mother take him to his first day at school, but now at last somebody was at the gate. We all need somebody at the gate. We saw incredible changes in him. When he first joined our family he had no job, was homeless and had a gambling addiction. By the end of
…a man stood in the gloom. He was homeless.
his life, he had been a dustman for 30 years, a volunteer at a homeless centre and had a brand-new £1.6 million wellbeing centre named after him. Perhaps the most surprising part of the story concerns the time when shortly after the birth of our son, Dianne became ill; I suddenly found myself leaning on Ronnie. He became the brother I never had. Whatever it was that had turned my vibrant wife into somebody who could hardly get out of bed, it seemed that depression was part of it. Our friends were kind, but from others in our church there was an underlying, and at times obvious, suspicion of the reality of Di’s sickness. If she had broken a leg, they’d have brought a lasagne around, but this was much harder for them to deal with.
Ronnie and Rob
Perhaps the most difficult question for people of faith to answer is: why does God allow suffering? It seems this question is not a surprise to him; it is the cry of Job – the oldest book in the Bible. And it is a question I asked at that time. I think up until Dianne’s illness I believed I had a secret deal with God. It went something like this: “I will believe in you and in exchange you will bless me. I know I may have to bear occasional inconveniences – minor illnesses, perhaps a failed examination or two, but no big stuff; no cancers that don’t heal, no crying by graves that hold people who are too young and too good to die, and no woman that I love lying in bed trapped in a body that has stopped working with a mind that seems to have lost the will to fight.” I remember one evening – the day before Good Friday – Dianne was fast asleep upstairs. Ronnie had helped me get the kids to bed and was now in his room watching a Western. The house was quiet. I turned off the living room lights and sat in the darkness, my brain empty, and sick in my gut. I thought: “Perhaps I am depressed too”. I’m not sure exactly what happened to me on that Easter night. At first, I felt a crushing loneliness, an isolation and blackness that was cloying. But then, after a while, something happened. I can’t call it a presence, but there was something. And suddenly, in the very depths of my being, I understood that not being able to fix everything was all right. I knew in that moment that I wasn’t bright enough, wealthy enough, or powerful enough to make Di well. I fell to my knees with my face wet with tears and I was
Ronnie…became the brother I never had. suddenly completely sure that none of that mattered. For the first time in my life, I understood something that at first seemed to be very bad news but was actually liberating: there is no deal. If I am going to go on trusting in God, then I had better come to grips with the words of one of the most ancient poems in the world – thousands of people have recited it, who were not just going through the kind of stuff that was affecting our family, but in some of the most horrific circumstances known to man: they recited the poem in Auschwitz, in Dachau and in Birkenau. “Though the fig tree does not bud And there are no grapes on the vines, Though the olive crop fails And the fields produce no food, Though there are no sheep in the pen And no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…” (Habakkuk 3:17–18)
believe that Dianne and I would have never begun the work of Care for the Family if we had not gone through the experiences I talk of in my memoir. A Knock at the Door is the story of a boy who was written off at school and told he had no ability, but whom God decided to use anyway, a woman who found in the darkness a deep desire to touch the lives of others, and a homeless man who affected the lives of hundreds of people who believed that society had written them off. It is a story that whispers to us in the darkness the words from the book of Joel: “I can give you back the years the locust has eaten.” It says to us all: ‘Tomorrow doesn’t have to be like yesterday.’ Rob Parsons is the founder of Care for the Family, a national charity which aims to strengthen family life and help those who face family difficulties. He is the author of more than 25 books including the Sunday Times bestseller, The Heart of Success.
I did not write my book primarily for a Christian audience, but it is, in essence, a story of redemption. And I
A Knock at the Door by Rob Parsons is published by William Collins and is out on 21 November.
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REVIEWS
Unless otherwise stated all resources are available from your local Faith Mission Bookshop or online www.fmbookshops.com
When We Prayed: Miracles of World War II Premier PODCAST ««««« «««« « Consisting of three episodes, this podcast by Eternal Wall looks at how faith and prayer helped the Allies win the war against Hitler. The podcasts specifically focus on the evacuation of Dunkirk, D-Day and the Battle of Britain. I found episode one, ‘Miracle of Dunkirk’, particularly interesting. This looked at the biggest evacuation of
This is Holy Mack Brock
AVAILABLE VIA STREAMING SERVICES
««««« «««« « Mack Brock may not be a name you recognise, but you will probably be more familiar with his music. For over a decade, Mack was part of Elevation Worship who released songs such as O Come to the Altar, Do it Again and Graves into Gardens, but recently, he has moved in a different direction and has released a new album, This is Holy, as a solo artist.
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Allied personnel during the war, in 1940, after almost the entire British armed forces found themselves cut off on the coast of northern France. Surrounded by German troops, their only hope was evacuation across the English Channel. The dire situation prompted King George VI to call for a day of prayer on 26 May 1940, which saw the whole British nation praying for divine intervention. Referencing the book of Isaiah, the podcast tells how that prayer was answered, giving examples of divine intervention. This included Hitler’s strategic error in deciding not to advance on Dunkirk, and a violent storm grounding German planes, followed by a spell of settled weather which allowed for the evacuation. Furthermore, bullets were fired on silhouettes of Allied soldiers but did not hit them. Each of the sub-30-minute episodes, accompanied by a free Bible study, demonstrate that God is always at work in our daily lives. AH
The album is full of original songs, aiming to remind listeners of God’s holiness and that he is sovereign and worthy to be praised. Brock says, “This is a worship record giving praise to God and talking about who God is, what he’s done in my life, and what I want my life to look like. Sometimes I lose focus on the fact that being in the presence of God is a holy thing. It’s something I talk about from stage often – how worshipping God is a holy act. The fact that we don’t have to jump through hoops to go to God is such a special thing. But so often we forget that it’s holy.” He is not the only one who features on this album. The song, Be Near, includes Jenna Barrientes from Elevation Worship and The Best God features Mack’s nine-year-old daughter Cyrus, who wrote part of the song herself. This is an uplifting album which brings us back to the truth that we are able to come before God in worship which is such a special and holy thing. RD
The Christmas Story Brick by Brick Rachel Hood THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
£3.99
«««««
I love a book that gives you more than just a good story. This book is a beautifully written, rhyming version of the first Christmas for children, aged four and above, to engage with and enjoy. The illustrations are photographs from the Lego-themed animation, made by Gochatter Videos, which is free to download. The rhyme emphasises the joy of Jesus, the Saviour of the world, coming to earth as a baby. The publishers have priced it so that, when bought in bulk, it enables churches – both large and small – to give the book away affordably in the run-up to Christmas. To add to the organisational partnership of this resource, Faith in Kids, a Christian organisation based in the UK and headed up by Ed Drew, has written other accompanying resources to go with the storybook. It has produced three children’s ministry sessions which could be used in Sunday schools, children’s church or other kids’ clubs ahead of Christmas, as well as a full all-age service for a nativity service. As if that was not enough, there will also be a family Advent devotional available at the end of November. This is a great suite of resources for the church to use in the run-up to Christmas and for families to use at home. I thoroughly recommend all of them. The resources can be found at: www. gochatterstudios.org/the-christmas-story and www.faithinkids.org RB
REVIEWERS
RD – Ruth Dalzell is coordinator of youth ministry and congregational discipleship in Second Comber
Bonhoeffer Angel Studios
Friend of God John C. Lennox
FILM
SPCK
£16.99
AH – Andrew Hamilton is a member of St Andrew’s, Bangor SH – Sarah Harding is editor of the Herald RB – Ruth Bromley is PCI’s children’s development officer JE – Jeremy Eves is a member of West Church, Bangor
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John Lennox is on a mission to challenge believers, as genuine children of Abraham, to stand firm in their faith, empowered to withstand the raging storms of secularism, relativism and outright atheism, and looking for the eternal city, for which Abraham looked, as a living vibrant prospect. This substantial volume takes perseverance to read. There is much detail from ancient sources, as well as in-depth scrutiny of the Genesis narrative, which so many of us have read many times too quickly and without the inquisitive frame of mind needed to recognise and explore the significance of each detail. Being the polymath that he is, Lennox is able to draw together a wide range of learning, so that the reader will consider not only the life of Abraham, but much more that is relevant to our life today. Just some examples – Babel, social media and societal fragmentation; evidencebased faith; hearing the voice of God and obedience; the importance of marriage; the place of material wealth; justification by faith; and the old and new covenants. Many have struggled to understand the character of God in the light of the command to Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac, and what learning might we draw from it. This section is worth reading many times. A companion study guide will be useful for reflective learning. For groups, a discerning leader might pick the most suitable chapters. None of this is a light or quick read, but application will yield growth and blessing. JE
««««« «««« « The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident, is already well documented. This film, which is coming to UK and Irish cinemas in early 2025, cannot cover it all, but it captures some key aspects of his remarkable life. Audiences will likely know that it doesn’t have a happy ending – Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis two weeks before the end of the war in 1945 – yet the film is still a hopeful one, resonating with a joy that only faith in the Lord Jesus can bring. It was refreshing to see genuine faith on the big screen. The film records Bonhoeffer’s spiritual awakening from a stale religiosity to a living relationship with Jesus, through his time spent in America and his encounter with black charismatic Christians. Bonhoeffer’s determination, courage and trust in God comes across strongly throughout and is inspiring to see. But in many ways, it is the focus on how the church in Germany reacted (or rather failed to react) to the tightening power of the Nazis that is one of the most striking things about the film. When Bonhoeffer returns from his time in America, he is horrified by the changes he sees in the country and, in particular, the lack of concern from church leaders. When he later travels to the UK, desperate to encourage church leaders there to stand up to Hitler, their response that the church must focus on diplomacy is a frustrating one. However, it is also chilling how plausible a reaction it is – it is the benefit of hindsight that proves it to be short sighted. Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemöller, features in the film as someone who initially dismissed Bonhoeffer’s concerns about the Nazis, but later regrets his apathy and stands up strongly against them. His famous words, later composed into a poem, are thought-provokingly presented as a sermon in the film: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist… Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.” The film ends with words from the Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt, written by the Council of the Protestant Church of Germany in 1945: “We accuse ourselves for not standing to our beliefs more courageously, for not praying more faithfully, for not believing more joyously, and for not loving more ardently.” Unfortunately, it is quite easy to see how people stood by and did nothing when Hitler was rising to power. And it is very challenging for not only Churches as institutions, but all of us as individuals to consider the many injustices in our world which we regularly turn a blind eye to. Bonhoeffer’s life and courage is a reminder that when we take any stand for good, it won’t be easy, but God will help and sustain us in our courage. SH
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LIFE IN PCI Cahans gathering Visitors from America and Australia were among those who travelled to County Monaghan recently to commemorate the 260th anniversary of the Cahans exodus. On 10 May 1764, Thomas Clark, the first Cahans minister, with some 90 families from the congregation and community departed from Narrow Water, Newry and sailed to New York, arriving on 28 July without loss of life. To commemorate the 260th anniversary of this Cahans exodus, friends from Ulster were joined by visitors from Salem, New York and Abbeville, South Carolina – two places where the Cahans families settled – as well as from Florida and Australia for the ‘Cahans gathering’. David Nesbitt, chairperson of Cahans Meeting House committee, welcomed all and spoke about the ‘exodus’ from an Irish viewpoint – the reasons for their going, likely feelings as they left the known for the unknown and the rigours they faced settling in ‘an unbroken wilderness’, but all with a strong faith in their God and Saviour giving them courage. Led by Dr Gerry Clinton (Ballybay minister) and Dr John Paul Marr, the ‘gathering’ began with a short service of thanksgiving for more than 200 years of worship at Cahans, for the life and settlement in America, and for the recent conservation and development of the 1840 meeting house as a community resource and meeting place. Guests were able to explore a new exhibition created by the Ulster Scots Agency for the occasion, now on permanent display at the historic building, which has undergone extensive (and continuing) restoration after decades in disuse. The next day, a smaller number enjoyed a guided tour, visiting places of note in the surrounding area. Lunch in the nearby Derryvalley Hall allowed more time together at the end of a meaningful and memorable ‘gathering’. Anyone wishing to visit Cahans Meeting House, can contact Elizabeth Steenson at elizabethasteenson@gmail.com or David Nesbitt at dnesbitt@eircom.net
Dr Gerry Clinton, Dr John Paul Marr, David Nesbitt and Ian Crozier (Ulster Scots Agency CEO).
Everyone welcome at First Larne Like so many congregations, in First Larne the regular programme of services, small groups, organisations and activities aims to encourage members as well as reach out to the local community. Given the location of the County Antrim church and its facilities, many neighbours cross the threshold to attend regular sessions, such as Blood Transfusion or foodbank, or less frequent events, including the annual Larne Music Festival and school carol services. In a built-up environment, the car park is open daily to allow the safe dropping-off and collection of local primary school children, as well as staff parking. Supporters attending matches at neighbouring Inver Park (home of the current Irish League champions) have also availed of the convenient car parking. Emerging from the pandemic restrictions and with such a high number of ‘visitors’, one of the elders proposed the church makes the welcome obvious by boldly proclaiming on a large banner in the car park ‘Everyone welcome at First Larne’. On the final Friday evening of the annual holiday Bible club, this welcome came with plenty of colour and spectacle, with the children, their families and church neighbours all invited in for a community fun night. With the cooperation of voluntary and statutory agencies, including Mid and East Antrim Council, local supermarket Asda and the full range of emergency services, the car park, halls and meeting house were filled with people of all ages. They enjoyed bouncy castles, assault courses, playing games, petting farm animals and marvelling at the equipment and expertise of ‘blue-light’ services. There were also ice creams, burgers, crafters, face-painters, and so much more. But the big message was: “Church is for you! Everyone welcome at First Larne”.
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To share good news stories from your congregation please send your photographs and details to heraldeditorial@presbyterianireland.org
New minister in Scrabo Rev Gary Ball was installed as minister of Scrabo Presbyterian Church by a commission of Ards Presbytery recently. Mr Ball, who is no stranger to Newtownards having been born there, is the sixth minister in Scrabo’s 52-year history. He was a mature applicant for the Presbyterian ministry, having previously worked in the business and charitable sectors, latterly as a staff member of the Simon Community where he spent six years supporting individuals who were homeless. He was ordained to the full-time ministry on 15 March 2016 in Orangefield congregation in Belfast, where he served as associate minister, prior to be called by the congregation of Scrabo.
Retirement in Magheramorne Wilbert McNeilly, a lifelong member of Magheramorne Presbyterian Church, has retired from serving as honorary treasurer after 33 years in the position. He has been an elder for 48 years and also dedicated to the work of the Boys’ Brigade, serving both locally and further afield. The new treasurer Nigel Graham (left) and senior youth worker Gary Bisset (right) presented Mr McNeilly and his wife Jennifer with tokens of appreciation from the County Antrim church.
Retirement in Drumlegagh
New elders in Trinity, Greyabbey
Maurice Surphlis has retired as session clerk in Drumlegagh Presbyterian Church in the Omagh Presbytery after 22 years of faithful service. Pictured are: Tara Cowan, Mary Surphlis, Mr Surphlis and Rev Jonathan Cowan.
The service of installation and ordination of two new elders in Trinity, Greyabbey took place in Cloughey church recently. Pictured with the minister Rev Neil Stewart are members of Ards Presbytery commission and the new elders William Dorrian and David Heron.
New halls opened in Drumlough Drumlough congregation celebrated the opening of a new suite of halls recently. PCI Moderator, Dr Richard Murray, joined the congregation along with Rev Laszlo Orban (minister of the County Down church), former ministers Rev Gareth McFadden and Rev Gary Glasgow as well as Kurtis Dickson (mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh Council), local councillors and ministers of local congregations, friends and visitors to mark the occasion. A special service was followed by the official opening by Thomas Jordan (senior elder) and refreshments in the new halls.
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LIFE IN PCI
Elders ordained in Galway The ordination and installation of elders took place in Galway Presbyterian United Church recently. Pictured, left to right, are: Rev William Hayes (convener); Rick Hill (Secretary of the Council for Mission in Ireland); Cora Drennan (acting clerk); new elders Obey Shanya, Johannes Buca Letshwiti and Jane Ryan; Rev Helen Freeburn (minister); Rev Damien Burke (moderator of presbytery); and Carel Mienie (elder to moderator).
Gold awards for Ballygrainey pair Kyle Deehan and Jacob McCallister, from Ballygrainey Presbyterian Church Boys’ Brigade in County Down, received their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards at a recent ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Included in the photograph is David Johnston, an officer in the company.
Queen’s badges presented in Ebrington Queen’s badges were presented to three members of Seventh Londonderry company of the Boys’ Brigade at Ebrington Presbyterian Church recently. The three recipients each received their Queen’s badge from their mothers/grandmother. From the left: Lealand McElwee and Rhonda McElwee; Sam Dougherty and Kathleen Dougherty; and Matthew Colhoun and Judith Colhoun.
New elders for Greystones Presbyterian Retirement in Ballyrashane Gwen Cochrane received a bouquet from Rev Phil Kerr on the occasion of her retirement as organist and choir director of Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church. Mrs Cochrane retired after 40 years of leading the praise in the County Londonderry congregation.
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A commission from Dublin and Munster Presbytery recently ordained and installed Katriina Garcia, Gwyn Bennett and Hoseok Kang as ruling elders in Greystones Presbyterian Church. The new elders are pictured in the front row along with Rev Damien Burke (moderator of presbytery) and Rev Gary McDowell (minister of Greystones). Back row: Rev Clarke Deering (convener), Carel Mienie (representative elder, Drogheda) and Rev Michael Anderson (acting clerk).
REFLECTIONS
Power through weakness Niall Lockhart Studies in 1 Corinthians (1:18–2:5)
T
he church in Corinth was not in great shape, but the a witness to the cross; God’s ultimate revelation of saving church in Corinth knew that it was loved. There is a power in a place of total defeat. powerful spiritual dynamic at play when imperfect In 1992, I attended a ‘Presbyterian and Reformed’ youth churches know that they are loved and hear that conference in Cookstown. God had opened my heart to they are loved (2 Corinthians 2:4). Like a mother caring for receive Christ many years earlier. But that weekend I would her children (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8), like a father anxious say he opened my mind. With a whole Bible in his hand, over the wellbeing of his family (1 Corinthians 4:15), the warmth in his heart, and tears in his eyes, Professor Ray call to Christian leadership is a call to love. Dillard, the speaker for the weekend, lifted up neither a New Testament letters locate the apostles in relationship confession nor a way of doing things, he lifted up Christ with real churches; different from each other yet all with crucified and I will never forget it. ‘something going on’. Corinth was home to one such church. In this moment the Presbyterian Church in Ireland finds In 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:5 we find itself called as a witness for Christ in the Apostle Paul addressing specific what are tough times. In congregations The lure of power still concerns that he carried for this church. across our Church, in presbytery calls at such a time. The gatherings, in Councils, committees and He was anxious about the church’s relationship with power and about their temptation to control General Assemblies, sincere ministers, perspective on situations where they elders and church members, express what remains… experienced a loss or lack of power. concerns for where we are at and how Time and place converged in Corinth we move forward from here. to make it a tough place for gospel work. In a city of Facts challenge us; influential voices beyond the church wealthy Roman patrons, learned Greek philosophers, and caricature the Christian gospel today as outdated and even a religiously fervent Jewish community, the Apostle Paul morally offensive. We are smaller and more marginal than found early days in this city to be so intimidating that God we have been. Many of our churches carry the absence of gifted him a heavenly vision to simply keep him at his work former generations whose life path has taken them not out (Acts 18:9–11). of church, but out of PCI, and into new and independent Paul confined himself to the cross in his preaching churches, so much a feature of our contemporary scene. (1:18–25). To Greek minds, the message of a crucified Lord Where does a weaker, smaller, less powerful Church turn seemed far beyond the pale of reason. To Jewish sensibilities, at such a moment? such news was completely repugnant. Yet in the apparent The lure of power still calls at such a time. The temptation foolishness of this gospel, Paul perceived the power of God to control what remains, the promise of a Church more at work in the lives of those who were being saved. assertive in the distinctives that mark us out from other Secondly, Paul saw God’s power at work when he looked denominations or even from each other. But there is another at the make-up of the Corinthian church. Surveying the way. To resolve to be people of the cross and within the membership roll in 1:26–31, Paul acknowledges that not life and structures of our Church to be disciplined and many of the Corinthian Christians had been “wise by human generous in finding our primal unity there and in that place standards” or “influential” or of “noble birth” when they had experiencing anew a power that is from God alone. come to Christ. Yet in the ordinariness of this church, Paul saw not an accident of sociology but a deliberate choice of Rev Niall Lockhart is minister of Ballyhenry Presbyterian God; a choosing of ‘lowly’ people to silence the boasting of Church. those living proudly without God. Thirdly (2:1–5), Paul saw God’s power at work as he reflected upon his own testimony, and how he had struggled to speak at all in his early days of ministry within that city. Paul’s own story of power through weakness became in itself Herald November 2024
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First Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic person to lead and develop our music ministry as
Worship Coordinator This is a permanent post of 6 hours per week (variable) Further details and application pack are available from Stephen McCracken. Email: stephenmccracken56@outlook.com Closing date for applications is 30 November 2024
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
2025 Calendar Featuring scenes from across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the calendar will be a useful addition to the home or office. With two months on view, specially selected Scripture verses are also displayed alongside.
Only £5/€5 each (including postage) To pre-order your calendar please visit
www.presbyterianireland.org/pcicalendar or call +44 (0)28 9041 7297
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ACROSS 1 White rose county (9) 8 Rental agreement (5) 9 Lawlessness (7) 10 Reluctant missionary (5) 11 French river (5) 12 Arriving – at a destination (8) 14 AKA (5) 16 Unhappy (3) 17 Layered (6) 20 Cry of a lion (4) 21 Saviour (8) 24 Connects to (7) 25 Plan – cunning or otherwise! (6)
DOWN 1 Once every 12 months (6) 2 Lifelike (9) 3 Football – Stateside (6) 4 Prestigious American Colleges (3,6) 5 OT prophet (6) 6 Wages (8) 7 Liquid fuel (5) 13 Place of residence (7) 14 Warnings (6) 15 More than a trickle (6) 18 Less usual (5) 19 Heavenly vision (5) 22 Musical note (3) 23 Initials – Elizabeth Regina (2)
REFLECTIONS
24 hours in Qatar Ruth Sanderson
W
e had been waiting on the floor of the airport yet only 300,000 of those are Qataris; the rest are ex-pats for four hours. and immigrants. The air conditioning was cranked up and As the sun set and we got into a taxi to head back to the my colleague was sprawled out beside me, hotel, my colleague noticed something odd. “Where are all covered in a fleece, fast asleep. We were only two in a sea of the women?” she asked. Sure enough, neither of us could passengers who had arrived on the midnight flight to Doha. spot one skirt, headscarf or burka on the crowded streets of Outside, the Qatari night-time air sat heavily at 30 degrees downtown Doha. centigrade. It was Friday, and after sundown Friday prayers, it was the The airport was huge, a sprawling fluorescent state-of-the- preserve of men. I found it very unsettling not to see anyone art futurescape. The shops were open 24 hours a day and else of my own gender. there was a three-storey indoor waterfall. Huge, computerSomething occurred to me – Christianity was born in generated ticker tape lined the walls and rotated constantly, the Middle East, Jesus came from the Arabian Peninsula, a beaming out messages from advertisers around the globe. days’ drive north. The culture here is close to what he would There was a 30ft-high teddy bear in have known in terms of trade, traditions, the arrivals hall, which led to a giant temperature, architecture and food. I believe that God made entrance containing indoor palm trees. Yet far from being absent, women have This was odd, even with minimal jetlag. us equally, that he values played an important role in our faith As it turned out, we had been bumped and have actively been made visible in us equally. from two connecting flights and had Scripture. Transpose that to first century been given an unexpected 24 hours in Palestine and it’s even more striking. Qatar, so were put up in a hotel in the city centre. In a region of the world where women are demonstrably One unforeseen passport stamp later from the State of hidden in so many ways, the writers of the New Testament Qatar, we had watched a big pink sun rising over the white made a point of including them alongside their male buildings, glittering in the apricot light of a new day. We had counterparts. Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, eaten a huge breakfast of melon, flatbread and hummus, got Elizabeth, Martha, Phoebe, Priscilla, Lydia – all notable a few hours’ sleep and then headed out into the blasting heat examples of women who were involved in the ministry of to explore. Jesus and the early church. Women who prayed over Jesus Bearing in mind we were never meant to be out of and the disciples and led churches and gatherings. the airport here, we were suddenly given an amazing The story of Jesus radically altered the position of women. opportunity to see just a little bit of an unfamiliar place This is what bothered me when I saw streets absent of and culture. It was brilliant; we spent all day at the national women in Qatar. I believe that God made us equally, that museum learning about the split lives of Qataris of the past, he values us equally. I believe that as followers of Christ, seasonal sea-dwelling pearl divers and wintertime desert we should be fighting for the equality that he gave us in all livestock keepers. We learnt about history, art, ethnography, the places around the world where women are othered or religion and sociology. marginalised (of which there are many). Qatar is an incredibly wealthy country; huge, white, So then, how can we champion women? Especially those state-of-the-art SUVs pack the motorways; the buildings sisters in Christ around the globe who live in societies which are clean, modern and architecturally stunning. Men wear discriminate, not just against faith but also gender. How can designer clothes and the women are glamorous and drip we engage with issues of gender equality around the world? with gold and diamonds which poke out from the sleeves Closer to home, let’s be sure to encourage family and of hijabs. What struck me most was that Qatar had a tiny friends to be active parts of the ongoing story of Christ’s population which ballooned after the first exports of oil and kingdom and give thanks for the freedom and parity he gas in the 1970s. It has a population of 2.6 million people, brings to us all.
Herald November 2024
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CHURCH RECORD VACANT CONGREGATIONS, MODERATORS AND CLERKS OF KIRK SESSIONS (Information supplied by clerks of presbyteries, conveners of Assembly commissions and councils.)
1. LEAVE TO CALL GRANTED
Application forms are available on request from the Clerk’s Office or may be downloaded from the PCI website. ARMAGH, FIRST & TASSAGH: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JOANNE SMITH: (Armagh First) Mr Ian Kyle, 8 Drummanmore Road, Armagh, BT61 8RN. (Tassagh) Mr Philip Crozier, 68 Bachelors Walk, Keady, Armagh, BT60 2NA. BALLYALBANY and GLENNAN: REV D.T.R. EDWARDS: (Ballyalbany) Mr Sam Condell, Billary, Smithborough, Co Monaghan. (Glennan) Dr Michael Wallace, 8 Fellows Grange, Fellows Hall Road, Killylea, Co Armagh, BT60 4LR. BALLYLINNEY: REV MARK RUSSELL: Dr Michael McBrien, 24 Lylehill Green, Templepatrick, BT39 0BF. BALLYWILLAN: REV STUART MORROW: Mr Robert Wilson, 13 Millbrook Avenue, Portstewart, BT55 7DZ. CASTLEDERG FIRST and KILLETER: REV R.A. ORR: (First Castlederg) Mr Robert Rutledge, 36 Ednagee Road, Castlederg, BT81 7RD. (Killeter) Mr Robert McKelvey, 17 Carrickadartans Road, Castlederg, BT81 7NQ. CLOUGH, BALLYMENA: REV T.D. KANE: Mr Ian Johnston, 48 Springmount Road, Ballymena, BT44 9RB. CORBOY and MULLINGAR: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV DR K.D. McCRORY: (Mullingar) Mr Wilson Porter, Joristown, Ruharney, Kilucan, Co Westmeath, N91 A344. (Corboy) Mr Christiaan Potgieter, 2 Pine Grove, Clonbalt Woods, Longford. DONABATE: ASSOCIATE (Reviewable Tenure – 3 years) REV ANDY CARROLL: DONEGAL TOWN and STRANORLAR: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ROBERT ORR: (Donegal Town) Mr Oswald Perry, Drumenagh, Donegal Town, F94 N7P8. (Stranorlar) Mrs Audrey Chambers, Magheracorran, Convoy, Co Donegal. DUNFANAGHY and CARRIGART: (Home Mission) 50% Congregational Ministry, 50% CMI Mission Project REV T.J. BRUCE: (Dunfanaghy) Mr John Sterritt, Moss Road, Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, F92 TV21. (Carrigart) Mrs Joy Buchanan, Figart, Carrigart, Co Donegal, F92 N2WO. GLASTRY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV J. ROGERS: Mr James McClements, 21 New Harbour Road, Portavogie, BT22 1EE. LEGACURRY: REV A.J. THOMPSON: Mr J. Ferguson, 142 Comber Road, Lisburn, BT27 6XQ. LOUGHGALL and TARTARAGHAN: REV ALASTAIR McNEELY: (Loughgall) Mr James MacQueen, 114 Moy Road, Portadown, BT62 1SA. (Tartaraghan) Mr Norman Cornett, 11 Cloncarrish Road, Portadown, Craigavon, BT62 1RN. NEWTOWNARDS, GREENWELL STREET: REV S.W. ORR: David Francis, 29 Beverley Walk, Newtownards, BT23 7UQ. OMAGH, TRINITY and GILLYGOOLEY: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV JANE NELSON: (Trinity) Mrs Claire McElhinney, 112 Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Gillygooley) Mr Raymond Smyth, 82 Gillygooley Road, Omagh, BT78 5PX. PORTRUSH: REV DR JOHN COULTER: Prof John Gillespie, 12 Randal Park, Portrush, BT56 8JJ. RALOO and MAGHERAMORNE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV ANDREW WATSON: (Raloo) Mr Geoff McBride, 72 Raloo Road, Larne, BT40 3DU. (Magheramorne) Mr Morris Gardner, 89 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, BT40 3JG.
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Herald November 2024
STRABANE and SION MILLS: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV P.B. HOUSTON: (Strabane) Mr William Watson, 44 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QS. (Sion Mills) Mr Colin Campbell, 26 Albert Place, Sion Mills, Strabane, BT82 9HN. WOODLANDS: REV J. MOXEN: Dr Ian Drysdale, 27 Windslow Heights, Carrickfergus, BT38 9AT.
2. LEAVE TO CALL DEFERRED BALLYRONEY and DRUMLEE: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV GEORGE McCLELLAND: (Ballyroney) Mr David Peters, 30 Seafin Road, Ballyroney, Banbridge, BT32 5ER. (Drumlee) Mr Graham Truesdale, 128 Lackan Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, BT31 9RX. DROMORE and DRUMQUIN: REV E.T. FRAZER: (Dromore) Mr Lynden Keys, 25 New Park Road, Dromore, Omagh, BT78 3JU. (Drumquin) Dr Paul Booth, 54 Bradan Road, Drumquin, Omagh, BT78 4QQ. GORTNESSY: REV COLIN McKIBBIN: Mr Ross Hyndman, 32 Temple Road, Strathfoyle, Londonderry, BT47 6UB. HILLTOWN and CLONDUFF: (Reviewable Tenure – 7 years) REV KENNETH NELSON: (Hilltown) Mr John Ervine, 51 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown, Newry, BT34 5TZ. (Clonduff ) Mr Cecil Brown, 39 Bannfield Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HG. RICHVIEW: REV N.S. HARRISON: Mr Victor Garland, 25 Abingdon Drive, Belfast, BT12 5PX.
SETTLED STATED SUPPLY APPOINTED BALLINDERRY: VERY REV DR W.J. HENRY, Minister of Maze. BOVEEDY: REV DR T.J. McCORMICK, Minister of 1st Kilrea. CAHIR: (Home Mission) REV WILLIAM MONTGOMERY, Minister of Fermoy. KATESBRIDGE: REV N.J. KANE, Minister of Magherally. TYRONE’S DITCHES: REV J.K.A. McINTYRE, Minister of Bessbrook.
3. DECLARED VACANT ANAGHLONE and GARVAGHY: REV D. CONKEY: (Anaghlone) Mr John Logan, 4 Bluehill Road, Katesbridge, Banbridge, BT32 5LU. (Garvaghy) Mr James Smyth, 35 Tullyglush Road, Banbridge, BT32 3TN. ARMAGH ROAD, PORTADOWN: REV N. McCULLOUGH: Dr David Lowry, 5 Ridgeway Park South, Portadown, BT62 3DG. BALLEE: REV T.P. McCULLOUGH: Mr John Quigley, 81 Queen’s Avenue, Magherafelt, BT45 6DB. BALLINA and KILLALA: (Home Mission) REV D.J. CLARKE: Mr Geoffrey Shannon, Robin Hill, Carraun, Corballa, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 A070. BALLYCASTLE: REV G.W.M. GLASGOW: Pat Shirley, 22 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6PB. BALLYKEEL: REV R.A. MORRISON: Mr T. Simpson, 163 Crebilly Road, Ballymena, BT42 4DP.
Editor’s Note: Information for this page is supplied by the General Secretary’s Department. Vacancies for conveners of commissions, councils and committees of the General Assembly are online at www.presbyterianireland.org/convenerships
Clerks of presbytery please note: Only material received by the General Secretary’s Department by noon on the first Friday of the month can be included in the Church Record.
BALLYNAHATTY, CREEVAN and FINTONA: REV JONATHAN COWAN: (Ballynahatty & Creevan) Mr John Nevin, 116A Clanabogan Road, Omagh, BT78 1SN. (Fintona) Mr Keith Boland, 119 Blackhill Road, Fintona, Omagh, BT78 2LN.
GLASCAR and DONAGHMORE: REV M. McMAW: (Glascar) Mr Alan Little, 38 Loughbrickland Road, Rathfriland, Newry, BT34 5HF. (Donaghmore) Mr David Shilliday, 21 Cargabane Road, Donaghmore, Newry, BT34 1SB.
BANAGHER: REV DAVID BROWNLOW: Mr Ivan J. Montgomery, 66 Teenaght Road, Claudy, BT47 4DD.
HYDEPARK and LYLEHILL: REV DEREK WEIR: (Hydepark) Mrs Lynas Alexander, 22 Broadacres, Templepatrick, BT39 0AY.
BELLAGHY and KNOCKLOUGHRIM: REV J.B. MULLAN: (Bellaghy) Mr Harry Ferson, 12 Railway Terrace, Castledawson, Magherafelt, BT45 8AY. (Knockloughrim) Mr Wilbur Bownes, 10 Meadowell Fold, Westland Gardens, Magherafelt, BT45 5DP.
KELLS: (Home Mission) REV ALAN McQUADE: Miss Ruth McCartney, Shancarnan, Moynalty, Kells, Co Meath, A82 PF60.
BELVOIR: REV B.J. WALKER: Mr Brian Dunwoody, 19 Drumart Drive, Belfast, BT8 7ET.
KELLS & ESKYLANE: REV M.J.R. NEILLY: (Kells) Mr B. Turtle, 6 Appletree Lane, Kellswater, Ballymena, BT42 2LS. (Eskylane) Mr S. McKee, 14 Eskylane Road, Antrim, BT41 2LL.
BOARDMILLS, TRINITY: REV JOHN TORRENS: Mr Adrian Patterson, 41 Cabra Road, Legacurry, BT26 6NB.
KILREA, SECOND: REV KEITH HIBBERT, Minister of 1st Dunboe.
BUSHMILLS: VERY REV DR D.I.J. McNIE: Rev Martin Gracey, 6 Bush Crescent, Bushmills, BT57 8AJ.
LOUGHBRICKLAND and SCARVA: REV DR MARK GRAY: (Loughbrickland) Mr Fred Cairns, 20 Scarva Street, Loughbrickland, Co Down. (Scarva) Mr Robert Jordan, 3 Station Rd, Scarva, Co Armagh, BT63 6JY.
CASTLEDERG, SECOND AND URNEY: REV ROBERT McFAUL: (Second Castlederg) Mr Bert Huey, Tossa, 8 Listymore Road, Castlederg, BT81 7JG. (Urney) Mr Norman McMullan, 80 Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9QT. CAVANALECK & AUGHENTAINE: REV RODNEY BEACOM: (Cavanaleck) Dr Charles McKibbin, 9 Tattenabuddagh Lane, Fivemiletown, BT75 0NW. (Aughentaine) Mr John McCrory, Screeby Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0TP. CROAGHMORE: REV DENIS BANNERMAN: Mr Andy McGugan, 158 Whitepark Road, Bushmills, BT57 8SS. CRUMLIN: REV STEPHEN McNIE: Mr James Livingstone, “Edin”, 56 Largy Road, Crumlin, BT29 4RW. CUMBER and UPPER CUMBER: REV J.R. KERNOHAN: (Cumber) Mr Cecil Pollock, 248 Tamnaherin Road, Londonderry, BT47 3LY. (Upper Cumber) Mr Jack McFarland, 12 Cregg Road, Claudy, Londonderry, BT47 4HX. DONEGORE, SECOND REV E. McDOWELL: Mr Samuel Gawn, 120 Parkgate Road, Kells. DROMARA, FIRST: REV M. DAVIDSON: Mr I. McCullagh, 10 Mullaghdrin Road, Dromara, BT25 2AF. DROMARA, SECOND: REV DR A. SLEITH: Mr Herbert Chambers, 29 Stewarts Road, Dromara, BT25 2AN. DRUMGOOLAND and KILKINAMURRY: REV ANDY DOWNEY: (Drumgooland) Dr Alastair Chestnutt, 22 Fruitvalley Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9RE. (Kilkinamurry) Mr Mervyn Copes, 43 Carnpark Road, Dromara, Dromore, Co Down, BT25 2HD.
LISBURN, FIRST: VERY REV DR D. BRUCE: Miss Margaret Thompson, 2 Springhill Mews, Lisburn, BT28 3QG. LUCAN: REV A. CARROLL: Mr Ian Scott, 22 Willsbrook Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin, K78 AP57. LURGAN, FIRST: REV L.W. WEBSTER: Mr Norman McCleery, 12 McCormack Gardens, Lurgan, BT66 8LE. MOIRA: REV DR M. COWAN: Mr Richard Brown, c/o Moira Presbyterian Church, 14–18 Meeting Street, Moira, BT67 0NR. MONEYDIG: REV R.S. McMULLAN: Mr Steven Torrens, 115a Agivey Road, Kilrea, Coleraine, BT51 5UZ. NEWINGTON: REV DR I.D. NEISH: Mr John Lynass, 8 Bushfoot Park, Portballintrae, BT57 8YX. NEWTOWNARDS, SECOND: REV C.W. JACKSON: Mr Ivan Patterson, 11 Heron Crescent, Newtownards, BT23 8WH. PORTAVOGIE: REV G.J. SIMPSON: Mr Trevor Kennedy, 1 Cairndore Road, Newtownards, BT23 8RD. RANDALSTOWN, O.C.: REV CHRIS WILSON: Mr Alun Coulter, 48 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DB. RAPHOE and BALLINDRAIT REV R. EDGAR: Mrs Sylvia Cole, The Common, Raphoe, Donegal.
DUNDROD: REV R.C. KERR: Mr William McClure, 20 Thorndale Road, Dundrod, BT29 4UD.
RATHCOOLE: REV A. CARSON: Mr Norman Creaney, 7 Coolshannagh Park, Newtownabbey, BT37 9LA.
DUNMURRY & KILMAKEE: REV S. STOCKMAN: (Dunmurry) Rev Gilbert Young, 39 Saintfield Road, Lisburn, BT27 5BH. (Kilmakee) Mr Alastair White, 94 Greenburn Way, Lambeg, Lisburn, BT27 4LU.
RATHGAR – CHRIST CHURCH: REV LORRAINE KENNEDY-RITCHIE: Mr Paul Fry, 44 Monolea Wood, Firhouse, Dublin 24, D24 A2V3.
FAUGHANVALE: REV P. LINKENS: Mr Donald Montgomery, 25 Carnmoney Road, Eglinton, BT47 3JJ. GARRYDUFF and DUNLOY: REV C.B. MULVENNY: (Garryduff ) Mr Stanley Lee, 12 Cambourne Park, Ballymoney, BT53 7PG. (Dunloy) Mr Jonathan Gault, c/o 26–28 Church Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DL.
STRAND: REV M. BURNSIDE: Mr John Johnston, 7 Helgor Park, Belfast, BT4 2GG. TAUGHMONAGH (Church Extension) REV K.H. VINER: TRINITY, AHOGHILL: REV N.G. MULHOLLAND: Mr G. Knowles, 67 Tuppenny Road, Gracehill, Ballymena, BT42 2NW. continued on page 50
Herald November 2024
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CHURCH RECORD continued from page 49
THE MINISTRY
TULLYCARNET: REV R.S.J. McILHATTON: VINECASH: REV PRINCIPAL MICHAEL McCLENAHAN: Mr Thomas Graham, 38 Richmount, Portadown, BT62 4JQ. WARRENPOINT and ROSTREVOR: REV J.S. MAGUIRE: (Warrenpoint) Mrs Heather Gray, 25 Donaghaguy Road, Warrenpoint, BT34 3RZ. (Rostrevor) Mrs Doreen Henderson, 14 Greenpark Road, Rostrevor, BT34 3EY. WATERSIDE: REV RICHARD TREGASKIS: Mr William McIlwaine, 19 Glenaden Hill, Altnagelvin Park, Londonderry, BT47 2LJ.
TEMPORARY STATED SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT BALLYCAIRN: REV MORRIS GAULT: Mrs Lucy Mulholland, 32 Blenheim Park, Carryduff, BT8 8NN. BELLVILLE: REV D.S. HENRY: Mr Mervyn King, 29 Ardmore Road, Derryadd, Lurgan, BT66 6QP. GRANGE with CRAIGMORE: REV R.S. AGNEW: Mr Jamie Harris, 32 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, BT41 3BE. NEWTOWNSTEWART and GORTIN: REV JONATHAN BOYD: (Newtownstewart) Mr David Dunbar, 32 Main Street, Newtownstewart, BT78 4AA. (Gortin) Mr Adrian Adams, 32 Lisnaharney Road, Lislap, Omagh, BT79 7UE. RASHARKIN: REV W. MOODY: Mr Norbury Royle, 96 Drumsaragh Road, Kilrea, BT51 5XR. SPA and MAGHERAHAMLET: REV DAVID BINGHAM: (Spa) Mr Stephen McBride, 28 Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9PA. (Magherahamlet) Mr David Whan, 74 Castlewellan Road, Dromara, BT25 2JN. WHITEHEAD: REV P. BOVILL: Mr Warren Heggan, 44 Middle Road, Islandmagee, Larne, BT40 3SL.
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Herald November 2024
CROSSWORD Solution to No 293
ACROSS 1 Yorkshire 8 Lease 9 Anarchy 10 Jonah 11 Loire 12 Reaching 14 Alias 16 Sad 17 Tiered 20 Roar 21 Redeemer 24 Relates 25 Scheme
DOWN 1 Yearly 2 Realistic 3 Soccer 4 Ivy League 5 Elijah 6 Earnings 7 Meths 13 Address 14 Alarms 15 Stream 18 Rarer 19 Dream 22 Doh 23 ER
Installed: Rev David Curran, as Minister of Church Development Wexford, on 20 September 2024 Retired: Rev Howard Gilpin, as Minister of Moira, on 30 September 2024 Resigned: Rev Corrina Heron, as Minister of Dunmurry, on 13 September 2024 Rev Lindsay Blair, as Minister of Faughanvale, on 15 September 2024 Rev David Curran, as Minister of Cavanaleck & Aughentaine, on 31 August 2024
THE ELDERSHIP Ordained and Installed: BALLYLOUGHAN: Stephen Johnston, Richard Nevin, Phil Small BANNSIDE: Samantha Dowd, Sharon Henry, Michael Huey, Boston Kydd, Robert McCreery, Christine Nesbitt LEITRIM: James Hilland Snr, James Hilland Jnr, Uel Malcolmson NEWTOWNSTEWART: Alison Black, Richard Black, Jim Hunter, Mark McKelvey SECOND DROMARA: Samuel Bingham, Irene Burrows, Steven Cuthbertson, Jeffrey Patterson TRINITY, BALLYMONEY: David Dunlop, Andrew Pedlow, John Richmond, Jeff Scott Installed: BALLYLOUGHAN: Kenneth Johnston Retired: BALLYCASTLE: David Finlay Died: BALLYLINNEY: Wilson Dunlop BALLYNURE: Sam Campbell BLOOMFIELD: Susan Giffen CASTLEREAGH: Tom Rainey CLONTIBRET: Jephson McCreery CRAIGY HILL: Brian Clenaghan, Elvin Martin DOWNSHIRE ROAD: Alan Black DRUMLOUGH: William Spence EDENGROVE: William Douglas ENNISKILLEN: Ronnie Chambers FAUGHANVALE: John McClintock FIRST ARMAGH: William Faris FIRST COMBER: Peter Davidson FIRST COOKSTOWN: Harold Leonard FIRST SAINTFIELD: Robert Thompson GARDENMORE: Hill Boyd HARRYVILLE: Alex Penney IRVINESTOWN: William Laird LOUGHAGHERY: Norman McKinney McQUISTON MEMORIAL: Thomas Kane NEWTOWNBREDA: Colin Eve, David Gray, Craig Stuart RAFFREY: William Jackson ROSTREVOR: Terry O’Flynn ST ANDREW’S, BELFAST: David McCombe STRAND: Sam Kennedy TRINITY, OMAGH: Sammy Gallagher WELLINGTON, BALLYMENA: Samuel Caves, George Graham WOODBURN: William Magee
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